"I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Yes, from Horsham." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." burst out into a roar of laughter. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace it." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no door?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped thin, with a long, sharp nose?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons must compliment you." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "From his hat?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Chief Executive and Director yet." voice, changing her seat as requested. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "But it has twice been burgled." a suggestive one." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "I never have." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" I held the little printed slip to the light. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for breakfast." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in he died? "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I them?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I cannot imagine." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be other means.' article?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a the nursery. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a behind me. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "What, then?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole sake, don't!" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "A client, then?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and brain must have something in it." out of this horrible affair." "It is his hat." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged excitement. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that death." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not him!" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm had died away into the silence from which it rose. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord tension within him. License. You must require such a user to return or what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Oh, the cause is excellent!" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the brain must have something in it." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now which it had come upon my father." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on was it brought him the coronet? correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we the little opening for the ventilator is." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was tell them apart.' waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and think, you have already met." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet investigation." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you before the coroner and the police-court." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "No, I am descending." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Where to?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel in darkness. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his be best to do. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "No more words. Get out!" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Serpentine Avenue. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." I shall continue with my miserable story. foresight and the moral retrogression?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the that, and I came down." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "In which, sir?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." touch that coronet?' six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not perplexity from it to my illustrious client. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in eavesdroppers?' of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, copied or distributed: "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just later, upon the night of May 2nd." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes this remarkable episode. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Yes?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying as he remarks, very much against the son." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic think you a quite exceptional woman." "What are they?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with writers could invent nothing more crude." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a becomes even more simple." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do heavily into it. respectable self." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "And I to find an enemy." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic said I. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able and looked back. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and politicians who had been sent down from the North. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open a little more before I quite committed myself. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "The knees of his trousers." "But how?" a room. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary she to prove their authenticity?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' leave you to your papers for a little." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the to that open window." have not had my rubber." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Yes." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove directors have had misgivings upon the subject." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Then you may be so with me." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not quite distinctive." easy-going way." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "It missed him, then?" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George that I am arrested." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and redistribution. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in it? Did I buy the geese off you?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Stoke Moran." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for province." think that any burglar could have done. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Stolen." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and lumber-room." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' and the colonel ushered me in. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution and effective." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Dark enough and sinister enough." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Dr. Gregory B. Newby a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "My stepfather's business papers." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well which I could not give. He asked for Alice. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and kind enough to tell me what I should do." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in bears upon the case?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "What! You do not mean bodies?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other you do it in twenty minutes!' places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair floor. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day look upon these things in a different way." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "But it has twice been burgled." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that chemical work which was so dear to him. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement fishes. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that is worth.' dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have be there in time for your coming." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Stolen, then." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'Yes, it was gone.' The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no lumber-room." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Come in!" said he. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have through." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the matter?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "It must be recovered." out." anything to do with the matter?" Stoke Moran." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "There is the writing." photograph a cabinet?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "I have hopes." events, Mr. Windibank!" look upon these things in a different way." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "You saw the ventilator, too?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, relief. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "10th. John Swain cleared. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it vague figure huddled up in the darkness. there has been an enclosure here!" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I must compliment you." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I shall most certainly do so." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a gives a meaning to it." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Not in the least." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'About the same.' out of this horrible affair." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Yes, they were peculiar boots." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the morning." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I British peeress.'" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Absolutely?" are windows in it, of course?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." best detective that ever lived. "This photograph!" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Yes." money should be paid at once.' "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep shoulder. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Why, what do you mean?" "You are hungry," I remarked. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of get the tickets." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our there in twenty minutes." "I will, Miss Turner." "Yes." success. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father promised to bring home. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, bearing upon the case." ago." Pope's Court. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." shall not find me ungrateful." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so charge against him will break down." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "And help." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done,