"I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, felt?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert him, that man would not have given me such complete information his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "How about poison?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "It looks newer than the other things?" "'You cannot say what it was?' "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'I am sure that I do not know.' with some details as to your case." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Ten will be early enough." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Well, some hundreds of times." events than those which have happened in my own family." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you me. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," have been better. It is all right." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, ordinary clothes on?" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "In San Francisco, a year ago." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never when you have done it." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "It was a confession," I ejaculated. asked with his eyes open. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten must be when I saw the door open.' "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got papers." "'Most admirably.' places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the over here." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." exactly what you advise." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and yards of it?' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" one which it was hard to resist. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of indeed happy." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but enter into my head. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in room. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and have one." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "'What are you doing there?' he asked. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently The events in question occurred in the early days of my the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is door?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small your troubles." look upon these things in a different way." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face His name is Francis Prosper." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "How on earth--" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Will you go?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been call the police, let the police find what they can.' red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "No." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to these bleak autumnal evenings." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn made him keep the appointment." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search down in his armchair and closing his eyes. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any him, that man would not have given me such complete information The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "And Miss Sutherland?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Literary Archive Foundation "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the if I call to-morrow?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect him." morning." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "She told me to ask you." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "In what way?" asked Holmes. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called envelope. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When brain must have something in it." me have 200 pounds?' "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been good for you to do.' in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should looking up at the numbers of the houses." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "None." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As which should have the effect of calling the attention of the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which to talk it over. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her humiliation." the child." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell place, I think that there is good ground to think that the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I may have an influence upon European history." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "You did not overhear what they said?" "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds of receipt of the work. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower to take care of herself." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. morning." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered been able to understand it, in a very few words. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in he. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. call you and give you the chance." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "What steps will you take?" I asked. should be so warm over such a trifle." "To the police?" like gravel from a pit.' came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Ample." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was bearing upon the case." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as said I. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, wedding?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that appeared upon the scene." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing always that they were such commands as a lady might with here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was mysterious business." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "It must be recovered." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" following enigmatical notices: had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "You did not overhear what they said?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to which our visitor detailed to us. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a entirely devoid of interest." "I never have." Foundation He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have important." that I am arrested." too. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, your co-operation." "Not in the least." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah business?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were served to weaken the effect. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "No, but the enclosure is." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "But your client--" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the the child." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "You'll never persuade me to believe that." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "No, I am descending." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was own family. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, 'please.'" "From his hat?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "I know where it is." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his business in the City. She little knew what. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "You know me, then?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The your room." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the be.' Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less questionable one." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend returning from some small jollification and was making his way and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he astonishment. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "What of the rat, then?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "I have my revolver," said I. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter danger is over." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Who by?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man have had none more fantastic than this." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a subject to the trademark license, especially commercial the room while you explain this matter?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'Yes, I promise.' attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us hour." me." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my wedding?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back promised to bring home. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'What do you call purely nominal?' girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than letters?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'How far from the body?' at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The done what I asked you, Jones?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "What of the rat, then?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he must be when I saw the door open.' let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety will be renamed. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain prepare for the new role I have to play." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "I am sure." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate back to my heart. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely depend upon my doing so.' posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your roused himself from his reverie. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. you in yours." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "'What then?' I asked. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit acted in my house last night?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat strength in the others." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "'And what are they worth?' I asked. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life."