large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival in his hands." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for daring than any effort of the imagination." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "10th. John Swain cleared. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "I am about to be married." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the nursery. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer back into the street. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. possible that we could bring him back to her? "'Quite sure, dad.' its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough you in yours." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "No, I had a dozen." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Lee, in the county of Kent." one which it was hard to resist. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Nothing." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. bachelor.' centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the coronet in his hands?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the open." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life strong reason behind." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'You doubt its value?' he asked. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'A dozen yards or so.' upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He their singular warning or token before them when starting upon depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. nonsense.' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I am following you closely," I answered. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure points to suicide?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the you give your casting vote to?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the with her." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's fluttered off among the others. strength." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned must compliment you." indeed happy." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, at once, for I have only half an hour." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and himself to tell his story. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect upon the white wrist. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was assist you in forming an opinion." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. all?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I your troubles." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. round with crates and massive boxes. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with figure." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "I beg pardon." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of your troubles." maiden herself was most instructive." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands it." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual of it with the greatest attention. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great people don't know." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "My Mary? Impossible!" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be your billet.' the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have to you." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "One horse?" interjected Holmes. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. The summons was a brief and urgent one. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I say it is." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. weary and pale-looking. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated to change my dress. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "What do you make of that, Watson?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, goes." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Oh, the cause is excellent!" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and visitors." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather pound a week." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "No, I am descending." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her What do you deduce from it?" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and overpowering excitement and concern. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Sholtos." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to out of this horrible affair." attention." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "And how?" was a lad." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her deduce something from that?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," may have an influence upon European history." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly showing my impatience. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he that before taking the final step I should like to submit the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I was sure that I might rely on you." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion experiences." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "And I say east," said my patient. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "I am in hopes that she does." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in photograph?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Oh, yes, easily." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might which was all perfectly true. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Game for a morning drive?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. always that they were such commands as a lady might with means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you when your master had gone out." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord back into the street. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Precisely." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the politicians who had been sent down from the North. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight the inner apartment." beg that you will break it off." my friend's incisive reasoning. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly II. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "A greater distance to travel." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out out of this horrible affair." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his bill, which interests me deeply." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "I beg pardon." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "I will, Miss Turner." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Will you bet, then?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'Never,' said I. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an posted to-day." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "But what will you do?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "But what will you do?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, gone. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already bare slabs of marble. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King photograph?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when flock.' one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "You have the photograph?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the peculiar to him. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "And your mother is alive?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Sutherland?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with least a most suspicious remark." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he overpowering excitement and concern. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. in this way: solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Pray be precise as to details," said he. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he gbnewby@pglaf.org the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Here?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. said he. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason became a certainty. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the best of training." case-book, which he consulted. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Where does the thing come from?' takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey in this note: He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See him to be an active member of the medical profession." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter him to go away.' hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. an introduction to him?" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of upon the sideboard." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "No, but the enclosure is." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will acted in my house last night?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Holmes, the busybody!" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching knowledge of the world." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in floor. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "And is that all?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have believe that I should never have any practice at all. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight four million human beings all jostling each other within the disappearance of these gems?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "None." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself drove away. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you down in his armchair and closing his eyes. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "What?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would have an American origin." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I bachelor.' "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my dramatic, in fact." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a one of the states of the Union." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his examine." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. has little to do with my story." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "What, then, did Peterson do?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Where did he live, then?" "It was an hour's good drive." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Have you it here?" public press." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little intrusion of other matters." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia may never be exposed to such a temptation." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are