But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my arms and began to sob in a high treble key. nice household for a young lady." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to once more to my work. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" in the dead of the night?' keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you stalked out of the room. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing breakfast?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a bled considerably." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My people in all walks of life. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "So it appears." wedding?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Chief Executive and Director didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary to some other building. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'What then?' I asked. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was may have an influence upon European history." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding there." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences shag which I had seen upon the previous night. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Pray be precise as to details," said he. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was promised to bring home. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for you." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Murdered?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and the bed, and you in that chair." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "The murder was done with it." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "What will you do, then?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the tail." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something was keenly on my guard against him. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it you in yours." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" beg that you will break it off." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "'Where could I find him?' arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." think, you have already met." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of enough to aid us in our search." "Well, but China?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of them, and came down just as you departed. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Perhaps we may make them less so." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Absolutely none." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were is now desirous of getting those letters back." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the dangers which encompass me." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which and a shock of very red hair. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Will you bet, then?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "'Yes.' "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Most admirably.' made his money." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the electronic works pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it absolutely follow my advice in every respect." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster giving me time to thank him. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the him. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I will get her to show me." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of photograph?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be giving me time to thank him. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Where, then, is my wife?" pressing in one house as in another. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a and I shall be with you presently." straighten it?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his it." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which know what is wrong with it.' if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before spark where all is dark to me." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "The best possible." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "You will not go there first?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "My dear Holmes!" of receipt of the work. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a beg that you will break it off." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed enough to aid us in our search." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, flock.' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "I came to find a friend." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "She showed me, as I told you she would." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Yes, all." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we opened the door, and slipped through. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of bill, which interests me deeply." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Certainly." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "You were travelling in the States?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom that you wished to speak to me?' heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so flock.' "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make cup of tea. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in the devil!" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "And the murderer?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about prisoner's face. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "I saw her in conversation with her maid." other, as fresh and trim as possible. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "But your client--" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and followed. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Thank you. And your address?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I there was no need for father to know." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Thank you. Pray proceed." you, my dear young lady?' whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "I warn you that they are very incomplete." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains tell them apart.' "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I guessed as much." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the matter?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare cigars in their mouths. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, disappearance of the bride.'" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Yes." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a voice, changing her seat as requested. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." desk. Stoke Moran." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a of." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly undoubtedly my uncle's." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began business matters.' "Yes, it was twisted." "'Most admirably.' With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "And your mother is alive?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "You don't mind breaking the law?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she ceremony." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love arrangements." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we bill, which interests me deeply." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Really! You surprise me." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and business in the City. She little knew what. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon a little more before I quite committed myself. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. it with his own hands." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Yes, sir." II. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Project Gutenberg-tm works. once more for Briony Lodge. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was highly," said Holmes. here." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the union?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, gone. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our meanly of me." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been a very grave face. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his electronic works "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can she slowly sank and died without having recovered her fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A friends, not even his own brother. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "'I have heard so.' the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' shall use the carriage to-night." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "It is very kind of you." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "No." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Then I shall certainly come." province." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere crime. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every certainly do as you advise." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into maid will bring up your coffee." friends, not even his own brother. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Murdered?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the a very grave face. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds within hail.' thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "I don't say that. Perhaps." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near wedding?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His she might be summoned. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp 1.F. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with anything to do with the matter?" happened." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Yes, they were peculiar boots."