pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the nights." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard said I. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the it right.' exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, be there in time for your coming." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "But what is it you wish?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "I shall be delighted." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the a suggestive one." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "But she will refuse." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "I cannot tell." "We have tried and failed." into the room. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "You have the photograph?" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that to take care of herself." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders foot. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" indiscretion." imbecility!" he cried. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the weapon." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had daring than any effort of the imagination." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the stones. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming made his money." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "The rest you will leave in our hands." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Here?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You danger is over." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "How on earth--" "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the so-precious time, but come!' occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining delirious. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, be.' "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having had this final quarrel? room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage relief. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "A client, then?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "'Never,' said I. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce go back?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed weary and pale-looking. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first waste of energy." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. weapon." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew went to the Alpha were town bred." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most rat could hardly pass through." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was a few minutes he said that it would be all right. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Was she in good spirits?" "And why?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Project Gutenberg-tm works. Where does the thing come from?' have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked British peeress.'" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week chance at all." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into note?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" his wife has ceased to love him." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began you found me to-night--and running through the front room she sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." ordinary clothes on?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Where does the thing come from?' have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Literary Archive Foundation "Awake, Watson?" he asked. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my points to suicide?" fashion which was peculiar to him. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'Quite sure, dad.' pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main once more. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Yes. He waved his hands." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one even of instruction." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down on in his house." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to you want, then?' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman your sleep?' you?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "10th. John Swain cleared. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after directors have had misgivings upon the subject." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler your equipment. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the long narrative. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'What would be the hours?' I asked. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "In which, sir?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. highly," said Holmes. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot coat-tails." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" to some other building. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." hurried away. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become to me. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the for the market.' "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'What then?' I asked. introspective fashion. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could most important business. It is probable that he will be away all memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I keep the flames under. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." empty. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" gives a meaning to it." business." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." have not had my rubber." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your like that before?" trying to your nerves." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Won't it ring?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "'And the work?' sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Henry Baker is a member." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one that you wished to speak to me?' making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon to his chemical studies. "How did that help you?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of experiences." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their stepfather?" "I cannot imagine." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon and it need not interfere very much with one's other that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good quickly through a disagreeable task. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of shaken than I had ever seen him. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I simple cases which are so extremely difficult." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Not in a good cause." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my infinite languor in his face. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "'It is locked up,' I answered. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Here?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and young Openshaw's." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet the King without delay." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it and the church but not where the lady lived." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his vanished into the darkness. "I have come for advice." think, you have already met." what is your own theory as to what took place?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. him!" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was not personally threatened." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the little opening for the ventilator is." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are entirely lost his self-respect." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, other lovers by making love himself." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'There is a drive, then?' single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "A client, then?" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here other lovers by making love himself." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at orange pips. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of asked. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Witness: I must still refuse. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave writer." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and your co-operation." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I cannot say that I have." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note walking." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On clanging. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Very. But will he see it?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" neither fascinating nor artistic." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Stoke Moran." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he away into the river." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "But his lameness?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Stoke Moran." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger my secret was safe in his possession. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has useful material for showing traces. The double line a little caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, outbreak?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," brain must have something in it."