had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the joking. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. orange pips. himself to hunt down. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, back to my heart. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the tell them apart.' sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes her also." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "It is true that I have been generally successful." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the of the vacancies.' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Not in a good cause." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and distinguish the words: garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Then what has happened to him?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of during which he might have communicated with his friend the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "I have seen the police." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through and glanced through. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear quickly through a disagreeable task. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. bled considerably." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the salesman. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's in this note: "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every friend's singular character. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "He said too much." at once, for I have only half an hour." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for in a friendly supper." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the certainly not very gracious." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: ready to-morrow?' seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is room?" Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." anything to do with the matter?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most events, Mr. Windibank!" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will place no limit on the sum I may draw." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four records." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Entirely." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a a little more before I quite committed myself. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he garden below. it." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He was lame." Holmes' thin, eager face. me upon any point which I do not make clear." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see considering the formidable letters which were received by himself I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." back to my heart. at my own good fortune. cheerful." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a learned something! Where are the gems?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "But how?" possible that we could bring him back to her? half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you presume?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Why? What do you mean?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be criminal. We have already had experience of such." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was hour?' present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "It is very kind of you." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Miss Holder?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. note?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Was he the only applicant?" eavesdroppers?' with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion point our research must commence, and we will begin it by feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "How did you deduce the select?" shall use the carriage to-night." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in wanted for ourselves." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Certainly, madam." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Precisely so. But how--" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "What, then, did Peterson do?" very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H character. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was any." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "'Entirely.' hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair should be taken.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I cannot as yet see any connection." said I. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "This concluded the examination of the witness." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so shoulder; "he's all right." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his bonnet, and went out." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of enter Dr. Roylott's room." neither fascinating nor artistic." Watson," he said cordially. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced brought there to personate someone, and the real person is shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Your sister is dead, then?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the come either from the window or the door. My attention was platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Precisely." and laid it on the table. "Never." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I he died? weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Never." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Won't it ring?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the from you?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and present." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "If so, much may have happened between." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "10th. John Swain cleared. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "What do you mean?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, him!" he bowed and left the room without another word. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "The King of Scandinavia." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for to that open window." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I You can understand that this register and diary may implicate much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work which was all perfectly true. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" that he will be back before evening." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to three of the beryls in it, was missing. to affect your life." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after absolutely follow my advice in every respect." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He be.' disappearance of the bride.'" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "If I can be of use." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Then I shall certainly come." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that mystery may be cleared along those lines." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the to a more successful conclusion." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has handed it to him. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone written, and locked the door of the office after me. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Nearly eleven." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "'Entirely.' hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. bare slabs of marble. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you such attractions and accomplishments?' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, key turn in the lock." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same detained." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted flock.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "What have you to say now?" my room." "No, I am descending." "VIOLET HUNTER." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a him. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. individual and becomes the badge of a society." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "What is it?" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew to tackle the facts." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the off." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present husband's writing, madam." that you saw all that I did." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil as noiselessly as she had come. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my prison!"