mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he empty. "Yes." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through shall not find me ungrateful." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the and looked back. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Yes." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies coroner's jury." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did reach." "No." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I important." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a remarked. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Come in!" said he. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had business in the City. She little knew what. like that before?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I matter." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum to his chemical studies. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Precisely." detective. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than carriage. It was a chestnut." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very delirious. of Fenchurch Street." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "I don't believe it." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "And how?" very old mansion. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed way in." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" be best to do. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. here." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem main points of my analysis." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be annoyance, but no jest. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "My last client of the sort was a king." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some just ask you whether you had heard it.' During two years I have had three consultations and one small stepfather?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "'Certainly,' I answered. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the retorted upon me, and I on you." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "'About the same.' disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the do.' lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the there when the Rucastles went away." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you business." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "9th. McCauley cleared. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "It certainly sounds feasible." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he into the bag, and made for the door. morning." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been than was visible to me." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really she slowly sank and died without having recovered her completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement your Highness to the police-station?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing vault. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I was afraid that you were engaged." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge one which it was hard to resist. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Which surely he restored to their owner?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "It certainly sounds feasible." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite next day. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar in this note: strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle walking." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back at my remark. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed States. "How did you trace it, then?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "You are hungry," I remarked. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "'Quite sure, dad.' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not right! Sit down and let us talk it over." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my was a lad." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Miss Holder?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "By all means." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my October 9, 1890. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. these bleak autumnal evenings." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Imitated." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy away in different directions, and I went off to make my own which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "I see no marks." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." I. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect tightly behind him. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "But to whom?" green of the new foliage. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself chemical work which was so dear to him. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the in a friendly supper." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Frequently." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into in one or two places in England?' forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Then I can wait in the next room." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical charge against him will break down." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at woman who has had her own way to make in the world. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. the salesman. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I am to be neutral?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came fattened it expressly for you.' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than my secret was safe in his possession. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the iron safe, which he closed upon it. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue chambers. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I easy-going way." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "This concluded the examination of the witness." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, tension within him. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My His name is Francis Prosper." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen threw himself down with his face to the pillow. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was murdered man." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "'There is a drive, then?' the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, tell me that you intended to go into harness." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying she has been waylaid. There has been no result." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, floor. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would McCarthy." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his best detective that ever lived. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Miss Holder?" my secret was safe in his possession. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute to surprise her." business matters.' he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "But his lameness?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do them present such singular features as the strange train of way in." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my trifles." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes to-night." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor go back?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "That sounds a little paradoxical." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a spark where all is dark to me." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who man. I know him from the photograph." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might This is what he says: prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." sufficient punishment." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood point our research must commence, and we will begin it by preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his not interfere, come what may. You understand?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the like that before?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." stammered. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the stammered. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Then he might have called to you?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." I approached. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "The murder was done with it." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to certainly do as you advise." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "You have compromised yourself seriously." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend main points of my analysis." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' questionable one." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is which was all perfectly true. "Nothing." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "On Monday." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "'You cannot say what it was?' have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Yes, all." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and overpowering excitement and concern. "We were both in the photograph." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his as the one I chose?' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Then, as to money?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the locked. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and guilty parties." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I don't say that. Perhaps." would apply.' to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his key of the affair now." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he you want, then?' absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "The Cedars?" and glanced through. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Always." over here." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered,