Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "And how in the world did you find them?" nights." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly empty. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on fear." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the bed, and you in that chair." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and had picked up in the wood. in the dead of the night?' homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary wedding?" giving me time to thank him. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much do." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you chambers. drawing your inferences." upon the white wrist. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will easy-going way." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great trifles." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Perhaps we may make them less so." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "BALLARAT." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Was there a secret marriage?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "I know where it is." nothing of it?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the window when the police appeared." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note of the way of danger. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "You will not go there first?" fasten all the windows?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "That sounds a little paradoxical." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out wedding?" "I am to be neutral?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Nothing." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Her father is very rich?" reach." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Yes, the wine-cellar." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as article?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do me, and I could not think that his explanation of the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea redistribution. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "We were both in the photograph." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for tell them apart.' wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "My dear Holmes!" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the address that was given us in the advertisement. than was visible to me." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was in a friendly supper." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "How do you know, then?" have established a very serious case against the son of the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save something of him before." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. too. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Could he throw no light?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own neither fascinating nor artistic." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the pictures, libraries, or plate. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Game for a morning drive?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it DAMAGE. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I From what you have told me I think that it is possible that waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "It is solved." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Holmes, the busybody!" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "How did you deduce the select?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Seven!" I answered. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary introspective fashion. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the stable lane now." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' matter." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls The police have openly confessed that they can at present make his grey eyes. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Quite so. She has her freedom." of your young ladies.' human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Thank you. Pray proceed." Holmes rather sternly. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced article?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "And Miss Sutherland?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter http://www.gutenberg.net They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the served to weaken the effect. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he undoubtedly my uncle's." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Nothing." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his client, rising. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he locked. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Holmes rather sternly. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in beyond words. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both I have it here in my museum." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such me." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father that I am arrested." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position there was no need for father to know." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not brain must have something in it." gone before you can get him to hospital." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the man. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "I promise," said Holmes. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I promise," said Holmes. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "I shall be delighted." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Yes, that is the Crown." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." thought that she would have been so carried away." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' have I gained?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the and wait." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." go from here to the Strand." against a man in the prime of life?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a this poor creature." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Only as much as we can deduce." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "That also I could fathom." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "And sit in the dark?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her said I. "It is very kind of you." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "By no means." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "What will you say?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the child." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but ago." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should individual and becomes the badge of a society." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony nothing with him." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in shoulder. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "A call for help, you thought?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." she used." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "'About the same.' with some details as to your case." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" carriage. It was a chestnut." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." had this final quarrel? strength in the others." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in undoubtedly my uncle's." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." washing it down with a long draught of water. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Well, but China?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return which should have the effect of calling the attention of the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his that I can to serve you." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where gives a meaning to it." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we indeed which he could not unravel. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Why? What do you mean?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, maiden herself was most instructive." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of awkward doing business with an alias." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man an introduction to him?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "This photograph!" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the in darkness. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He depend upon my doing so.' your Highness to the police-station?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Indeed! Whose, then?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without at home. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. appeal." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he correct than the official force." depend upon your compliance." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for unprecedented a position." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his remarked. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my at a side door. "Very much so." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "But who is he?" "No, I am descending." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Will you bet, then?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I never have." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting