occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "No, but the enclosure is." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon could go. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a a little more before I quite committed myself. "One of his hands." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Miss Holder?" one which it was hard to resist. lost his Christmas dinner." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations again, where I was soon asleep. in the port of London." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the is now desirous of getting those letters back." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "He said too much." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "One of the highest in England." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. at a side door. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a digesting their breakfasts at home." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Murdered?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "The King of Scandinavia." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern remarked. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Have you it here?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we figure." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "And the murderer?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Is he quiet?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "In what way?" asked Holmes. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the coronet in his hand?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'Stolen!' he cried. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, and inquire as to the address." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that other lovers by making love himself." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "But his left-handedness." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." never will be, entirely cleared up. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, such person." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Where does the thing come from?' which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Perfectly so." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and emerged. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "'It is locked up,' I answered. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said during which he might have communicated with his friend the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to you." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. any more." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "He is still with you, I presume?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "My dear Holmes!" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "What can you not understand?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Then how many are there?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may until night should bring an explanation. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was politicians who had been sent down from the North. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "None. Neville wrote those words." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I chemical work which was so dear to him. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a house for five minutes.' "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he his cane at the bell-pull. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America over here." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an at my remark. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the me upon any point which I do not make clear." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Why serious?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Yes, he did." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "How many? I don't know." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I tied." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your do.' again on its way. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his one of them." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Project Gutenberg-tm works. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no stalked out of the room. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their delirious. been with you?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Where, then?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Foundation "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon hereditary King of Bohemia." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "You think that he is dead?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, relief. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and business." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I questionable one." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could me." certainly not very gracious." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be and glanced through. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon I nodded again. within hail.' "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into call for it in person on Monday morning.' butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear this unhappy family?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "'What are you doing there?' he asked. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be possible that we could bring him back to her? "And on what day did he meet his death?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the strength." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is reach." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is British peeress.'" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "A call for help, you thought?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "There is the writing." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Serpentine Avenue. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed joking. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "One of his hands." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to highroad, where all traces were lost. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The some terrible trap for her." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Can I be of assistance?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "And how?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Henry Baker is a member." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I golden eyeglasses. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I cannot tell." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "You horrify me!" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Will you go?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and been anything against him. He had for years been known as a and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, to his chemical studies. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." if she died from some sudden fright." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the note?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most legal crime." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate thought that she would have been so carried away." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell is a common subject for conversation. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But matters immensely." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are sneer upon his pale face. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." later, upon the night of May 2nd." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "And that is--" "But you can know nothing of this?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were lost nothing by them." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody