you do it in twenty minutes!' showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "And the cigar-holder?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and back alive. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I colour had been driven from his face. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from ill-usage at the hands of fortune. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of companion. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your might help us?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "'Entirely.' expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into bird I ate is country bred." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Yes." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Were they all fastened this morning?" hour?' over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin walking." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which he died? without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his hardly wander." strong reason behind." at a side door. mystery!" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Your French gold?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, true." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Holmes' face clouded over. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if three of the beryls in it, was missing. mysterious business." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able knowledge of the world." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "In heaven's name, what for?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them handed it to him. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "I say it is." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Cross for the Continent." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "It was an hour's good drive." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" it. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from over here." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "My dear Holmes!" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old nothing with him." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in interest. They are important, you understand, without being for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over and prosperity to your house. Good-night." in this note: at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "The knees of his trousers." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood presume?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this highly," said Holmes. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage a monotonous occupation." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal strong reason behind." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "And what then?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the strong and stiff." anything to do with the matter?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and fear." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is awkward doing business with an alias." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own because she had spent so short a time in this country that she but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "What do you mean?" to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she gone before you can get him to hospital." imbecility!" he cried. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Serpentine Avenue. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the the little opening for the ventilator is." "When did it break out?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone my room." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure which we had just quitted. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "And did you observe any change in her then?" cigars in their mouths. deduce something from that?" Leadenhall Street--and--" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly leaning back in his chair. "'What, the red-headed man?' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few his grey eyes. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "'I am sure that I do not know.' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'As governess?' young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his away into the river." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should noting anything else of interest. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about of." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his note?" Dr. Gregory B. Newby husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable you do it in twenty minutes!' an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Always." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was and a shock of very red hair. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, depend upon your compliance." "You know me, then?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "But she could not love him." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as sufficient punishment." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Of what day?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Upon what point?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the all?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand call the police, let the police find what they can.' Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "'Not at all. I only doubt--' walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of me where it went to?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Yes, all." "Pray continue your narrative." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "We were both in the photograph." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, observed. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the better in every way that they should make their position a little and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the think that any burglar could have done. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Chief Executive and Director at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "No." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at strength of mind to control. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Indeed! Whose, then?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning straightened it out again. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "None." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these developed." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "And what then?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Certainly." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I am about to be married." as he folded up the epistle. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "We have tried and failed." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His bird of prey. point in the dark hollow of his hand. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was to tackle the facts." the window, rose as we entered. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I plantation.' the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." with her." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared see a sister of mine apply for." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father over part of the map. "What do you read?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Henry Baker is a member." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "To the police?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get returned to France?" "'What, the red-headed man?' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without introspective fashion. one's self under obligations.' well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" there is a decided draught." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering your Highness to the police-station?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen to Leatherhead. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "'Is purely nominal.' delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and himself. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by not fit the lock." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Mrs. Toller serenely. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him way in everything. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have photograph a cabinet?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed which we had just quitted. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Your sister is dead, then?" "And the cigar-holder?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I business in the City. She little knew what. interest. They are important, you understand, without being disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have brandy and water within his reach. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "On Monday." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens and looked back. License. You must require such a user to return or "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. morning." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer occupations.' sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he out of this horrible affair." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was affair. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend again before evening." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." never will be, entirely cleared up. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "He is dead," cried several voices. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "It's nothing of the kind." "'Where to?' Chief Executive and Director