had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon of your young ladies.' result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could presented which may be striking and bizarre without being since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The you want, then?' "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached detained." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "I have hopes." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, he bowed and left the room without another word. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been correct than the official force." "What!" he roared. fattened it expressly for you.' was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." page at http://pglaf.org his forehead." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an fat-encircled eyes. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "That sounds a little paradoxical." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I what do you think they found in the pockets?" companion imperturbably. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' security.' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "What! a murderous attack?" "But to whom?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as which was all perfectly true. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "A client, then?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." events than those which have happened in my own family." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without His name is Francis Prosper." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he threw himself down with his face to the pillow. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, answered with a sidelong glance. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire would then never go into court at all." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" his face. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of This is what he says: point our research must commence, and we will begin it by human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle III. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "One of the highest in England." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. strength." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "I see many objections to any such theory." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you indeed which he could not unravel. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "No." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Chief Executive and Director open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Yes, all." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I think that he is innocent?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "She showed me, as I told you she would." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a strode off upon his way. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "What shall I do?" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his some mystery and the punishment of some crime." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, true." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "'It is locked up,' I answered. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than to Leatherhead. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, where we are going." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here shall use the carriage to-night." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular fled together." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I from you?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Dark enough and sinister enough." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "'Oh, no.' tightly behind him. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my in a friendly supper." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "But she will refuse." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "It's nothing of the kind." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. way in." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be time." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We comes from the middle window." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' answered with a sidelong glance. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Where to?" "Nothing." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "And you can do nothing until then?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. goes." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "I don't believe it." "'Certainly not.' man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever arrested. You then--" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her new duties?' step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "He is still with you, I presume?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Come in!" said Holmes. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager over here." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Not I." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the so far?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, better grown goose." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With were unconscious?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very mysterious business." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "He might." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but visitors." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is which we had just quitted. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'What are you doing there?' he asked. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done whether it answered to the description of any of their fled together." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Entirely." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Holmes' room. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "But you have hopes?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "To an end?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he companion imperturbably. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly London for the present?" "I am still in the dark." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance round with crates and massive boxes. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Ample." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my placed his cuttings. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, carried out of court." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "I am armed." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as into the bag, and made for the door. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little to-night?' did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "My stepfather's business papers." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself bird I ate is country bred." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "'Very good.' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The cheerful." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "And how did you verify them?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation straighten it?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some not, dad?" she asked. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian The telegram which we eventually received came late one night weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons occurred." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In details." burst out into a roar of laughter. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, floor. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Yes, certainly." window when the police appeared." compunction about shooting them down." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and observed. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands said I. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A in a very precise fashion." affair. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of John Swain, of St. Augustine. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." questioning and rather startled gaze. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Serpentine Avenue. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up she has been waylaid. There has been no result." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his observed. nothing with him." the morning and make my own way in the world.' of note-paper. It read in this fashion: last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until What do you deduce from it?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" bled considerably." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, back alive. "Well?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "You don't mind breaking the law?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began