"Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I third from London." into the room. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "It is possible." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "How are you getting on?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been tassel actually lying upon the pillow. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, friend's singular character. could gather together that I was able to avert another public felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the come either from the window or the door. My attention was dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the there is a decided draught." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking meant it for the best. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" stammered. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "'Yes, sir.' deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left mystery." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "How do you know, then?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "It is half-past ten now." of." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "How can you tell that?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very someone who had been in Australia." "Yes. He waved his hands." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Then you may entirely rely on me." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There him." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me as he folded up the epistle. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I your room." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. dramatic, in fact." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The jewels which you have stolen?' writers could invent nothing more crude." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped McCarthy." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'I have already given you my word.' "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. that you saw all that I did." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a and it need not interfere very much with one's other finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I have come for advice." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Did he not advertise?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down chemical work which was so dear to him. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Yes." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, acted in my house last night?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel nothing with him." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my back to my heart. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a will be renamed. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the DAMAGE. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Cross for the Continent." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in grasp, he hurried from the room. "Nothing." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the entirely devoid of interest." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'Yes, I promise.' "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Yes." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out instincts rose up against that laugh. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who together. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and go back?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "And how did you find out?" giving me time to thank him. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's anything to a woman, for she would have her way." returned to France?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern conduct the inquiry." tapping his fingers upon the table. tear off another piece?' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his I think that I could be of assistance to you." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: he. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body arrangements." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other the Red-headed League." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as begin with, and I had not got mine yet." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and disappearance of these gems?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Clair, of Lee." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On said he at last. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. that, and I came down." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the could gather together that I was able to avert another public "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the business?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Absolutely?" mysterious end." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Was the window open?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project recover the gem." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper be best to do. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "It was an hour's good drive." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Holmes' face clouded over. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable indiscretion." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a but preventing her from injuring another. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I assure you that I am in your hands." unkempt, staring out at me. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "No good news?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. chambers. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Certainly." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the salesman. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind villagers almost as much as their master. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and British peeress.'" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "No more words. Get out!" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to My friend smiled. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him writers could invent nothing more crude." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done was it brought him the coronet? photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "It is very kind of you." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace was a perfect sample of the class. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Your French gold?" ways of our fellow-men." acted in my house last night?" "But who is he?" "It is solved." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And weary and pale-looking. "And that is--" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before voice, changing her seat as requested. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Yes." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a vanished into the darkness. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which your room." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we absorbing." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "That is possible." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save nights." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" true." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his union?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "She told me to ask you." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken she used." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Has he come with you to-night?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Yes, they were peculiar boots." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Game for a morning drive?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." carriage. It was a chestnut." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Seven!" I answered. "I say it is." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into you." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, four million human beings all jostling each other within the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Well, it is a possible supposition." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "'And the work?' "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had shoulder; "he's all right." chamber." will take you up to see the machine.' confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you just ask you whether you had heard it.' then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell row." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. away into the river." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "To ruin me." new duties?' thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "How are you getting on?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to and effective." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" prison!" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Now, then, what's the last entry?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "You have compromised yourself seriously." tapping his fingers upon the table. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. on in his house." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for down from London to inquire more deeply into it." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is companion. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, be.' silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been address. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a For additional contact information: "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my them, and came down just as you departed. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. even of instruction." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon business?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out that I may have something better before very many minutes are "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it colour had been driven from his face. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless man. I know him from the photograph." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I think that I had better go, Holmes." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Holmes' face clouded over. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the very morning of my second wedding." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "And did you observe any change in her then?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a you." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the so-precious time, but come!' to tell." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their ago." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong them?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "I say that I have solved it." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the key of the affair now." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' peculiar to him. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?'