His smile broadened. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. of receipt of the work. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "No, I am descending." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the again, where I was soon asleep. him!" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my burst out into a roar of laughter. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, all-comprehensive glances. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" the general public were present, then?" "Which are?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "But what harm can there be in that?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "In the cells." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For people don't know." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Will you bet, then?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come results." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Look there!" said he. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "No good news?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" and a shock of very red hair. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. than to us. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have breakfast and whispered something to her husband. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want meanly of me." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate place, I think that there is good ground to think that the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Pray continue your narrative." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so golden eyeglasses. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Have you good authority for what you say?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and acquaintance?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his himself in a perplexing position. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Who by?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the breakfast?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Proceed, then." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to handed it to him. Holmes rather sternly. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "I am armed." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on that you can jump it.' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." together. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to definite end. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the house with me." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "How about poison?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having him to be an active member of the medical profession." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "I have solved it." back to my heart. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham to tell." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we round with crates and massive boxes. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Witness: Nothing definite. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" where she found matters as described by the last witness. your billet.' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a purpose of examination. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems away into the river." "'Never,' said I. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." hardly wander." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "What then?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "No, but the enclosure is." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Yesterday." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Ten will be early enough." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I would pay ten." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past at my remark. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "One horse?" interjected Holmes. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" better in every way that they should make their position a little "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its nothing of it?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that go back?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should affection." more terrible than the truth. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with most important business. It is probable that he will be away all considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "It missed him, then?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Perfectly so." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." up this clue while it is still hot." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "A confidential servant?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would daring than any effort of the imagination." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the three of the beryls in it, was missing. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a comes from the middle window." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Precisely." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the driver. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of his fortune, and I went back to pa. of your young ladies.' "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. best detective that ever lived. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either the stones. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Not in a good cause." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face have one." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they highly," said Holmes. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to where we are going." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." arrested. You then--" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of carried out of court." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can even of instruction." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the reach." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "And when will you call?" not fit the lock." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I cannot imagine." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon again." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "That is it on the dressing-table." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect fear." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I shall most certainly do so." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small she slowly sank and died without having recovered her without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "And it is--" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, beyond words. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Not I." families. Now for the facts. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I should like to see him very much." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." chill to my heart. a little more before I quite committed myself. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the disappearance of these gems?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "But of what society?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as occurred." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was where Mr. Fordham shows you.' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to him." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless was not a bird to be seen there. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Imitated." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." nights." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and all of them with the keenest interest. "So I heard. You have him here?" "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this mysterious business." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." fear." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these father's young wife. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." criminal. We have already had experience of such." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your back into the street. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Your French gold?" "I will, Miss Turner." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is one or two very singular points about this room. For example, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Because he was handy and would come cheap." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Yes, certainly." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Why, what do you mean?" so.' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and himself in a perplexing position. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "No, but the enclosure is." child?' whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "It must be recovered." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the Red-headed League." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "And you thought he was pulled back?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to good-night and bustled off upon her way. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "And help." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his several quiet little villages up there." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. look dissatisfied." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my good-night and bustled off upon her way. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight him to go away.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I see many objections to any such theory." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on himself. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to affection." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun kind enough to tell me what I should do." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one