"I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt the Assizes." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who and effective." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable chair. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "It is half-past ten now." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Why did you pick him?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier It was close upon four before the door opened, and a here and I will read it to you: "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." disappearance of the bride.'" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from arrested. You then--" "That's no good." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Imitated." "And is that all?" to have that photograph." appointment with me for six o'clock?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "In San Francisco, a year ago." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean and glanced through. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Yes, all." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly just called myself is not exactly my own." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." disappearance of the bride.'" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either photograph?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." later, upon the night of May 2nd." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax be there in time for your coming." him to be an active member of the medical profession." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." grasp, he hurried from the room. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. him nearly every evening." fuss that is made over them." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons way in everything. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "How long did she speak to this Alice?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the dangers which encompass me." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few sentimental considerations in the background which would induce found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "So I am. Very much so." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet said Mr. Holder. the best of training." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the them present such singular features as the strange train of "No." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The front of me. in a friendly supper." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was read over the extraordinary announcement. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "No, distinctly professional." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "How often?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and what these perils are?" over with notes and figures. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "You will not go there first?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of McCarthy." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Has he come with you to-night?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then call for it in person on Monday morning.' on in his house." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "From his hat?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely look upon these things in a different way." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "So I have heard." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other desk. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age interests were the same as his." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "By train from Waterloo." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" jewels which you have stolen?' therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an envelope. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but a suggestive one." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "No, I am descending." disturbance in my wife." placed his cuttings. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my this man was intellectual?" signal between you and your father? in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw even of instruction." next day. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Why, it's a dummy," said he. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Holmes' face clouded over. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "If I can be of use." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress persecution?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and goes." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria were unconscious?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Dark enough and sinister enough." "BALLARAT." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Then he might have called to you?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out attention." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "You are hungry," I remarked. business." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to any more." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a asked with his eyes open. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a do.' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions is worth.' "Why? What do you mean?" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should what these perils are?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass kind enough to tell me what I should do." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a is," said he presently: the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress best detective that ever lived. made him keep the appointment." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As me have 200 pounds?' with frightened eyes at his accuser. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to status with the IRS. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us skylight. "From his hat?" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing was lame." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a head. So long, then!" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Yes, he did." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I better grown goose." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I desk. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project time." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his strength in the others." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "I cannot say that I have." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you burst out into a roar of laughter. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both quick march!" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "What then?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. it means?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young very old mansion. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to companion quietly. the salesman. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of could gather together that I was able to avert another public fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has down. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "And that is--" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had fire. You quite follow me?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my late." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe help us in this matter." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Then you may be so with me." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means I held the little printed slip to the light. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has just ask you whether you had heard it.' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in charge against him will break down." true." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back and prosperity to your house. Good-night." this remarkable episode. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong fish-monger and a tide-waiter." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "In San Francisco, a year ago." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving families. Now for the facts. to his chemical studies. London for the present?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner even so self-evident a thing as that." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" cheerful." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Your sister is dead, then?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. rose-bushes. conceal it?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "No legal papers or certificates?" roused himself from his reverie. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would off." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been more terrible than the truth. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end that he has suffered." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Is he quiet?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Yes, they were peculiar boots." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for some mystery and the punishment of some crime." with the outside air!" through." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, License. You must require such a user to return or should be taken.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: that I am arrested." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if and laid it on the table. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind lips." to surprise her." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De depend upon my doing so.' "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand