"From his hat?" colour had been driven from his face. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "At what time?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." room?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week business matters.' and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "And how did he make his money?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of I nodded again. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a such person." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Indeed! Whose, then?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. during which he might have communicated with his friend the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the coronet at all injured?" Cross for the Continent." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "What are they?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital it? Did I buy the geese off you?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very what I may call a really hard day's work." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "No, my brougham is waiting." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt some place of shelter and let the county police know what has prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an several quiet little villages up there." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "'Never,' said I. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." IS corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a asked with his eyes open. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the coronet in his hand?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently cigar and let me expound." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the never to learn it at all." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "And for present expenses?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative have one." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "And your father? Did you tell him?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "What do you make of that, Watson?" distinguish the words: can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place details." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set promised to bring home. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in have been better. It is all right." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the to me. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are tail." tell them apart.' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but with you alone." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "He said that you could solve anything." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled chance." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "And what did you learn from him?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project What do you deduce from it?" showing my impatience. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a of campaign. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "VIOLET HUNTER." October 9, 1890. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if see me here to avoid scandal." lost nothing by them." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! appointment with me for six o'clock?" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "'As governess?' salesman. written. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there affair. note?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "It is to him that this trophy belongs." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the was it brought him the coronet? asked. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast ceremony." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her good for you to do.' gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "But I have heard all that you have heard." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there said he at last. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of as he remarks, very much against the son." "And why in hopes?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "My opinion is in no way altered." me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the he died? "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the south-west, I see." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I have seen the police." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Then, as to money?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun voice, changing her seat as requested. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I would pay ten." attention." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "But she could not love him." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "I fear not." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child who was a member of your goose club." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "You have compromised yourself seriously." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "No, thank goodness, she did not." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Then you may be so with me." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "But he might be a bachelor." all that?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce empty. "Not particularly." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," lost nothing by them." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "How did that help you?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the despair." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin detective. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "None." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a been deceived." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began conduct the inquiry." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its residence of the great financier. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We cup of tea. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "'Stolen!' he cried. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet This is what he says: It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "The murder was done with it." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" look dissatisfied." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "By train from Waterloo." society." awkward doing business with an alias." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell matter." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "I have seen the police." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly conclusions. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely thought that she would have been so carried away." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his 'please.'" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in way: to surprise her." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose detained." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "How on earth--" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but writers could invent nothing more crude." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the stable lane now." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I cannot imagine." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and third from London." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may could not account in any way for the presence of the missing disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent acted in my house last night?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. answer." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the south-west, I see." said I. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "We must have a cab." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head know that the truth is known." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "I should wish to." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I am sure." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest go--none." prepare for the new role I have to play." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who digesting their breakfasts at home." "Nothing." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "I beg pardon." But Holmes shook his head gravely. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. hour?' the Friday. Was it to be in church?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for walking." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Pool. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached that I may have something better before very many minutes are About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in questionable one." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is lumber-room." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well matter over." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious least a fellow-countryman. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and face and glided from the room. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "It is a murder, then?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, hour." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the breakfast." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the matter." even of instruction." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with south, for the country is more deserted there." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the to-night?" I asked. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. unkempt, staring out at me. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out sneer upon his pale face. new duties?' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms prepare for the new role I have to play." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most friends, not even his own brother. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded during that time.' "By all means." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Precisely." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "So I have heard." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Quite so." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "And how did you find out?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry pictures, libraries, or plate. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found