Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though his cane at the bell-pull. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, assist you in forming an opinion." "Then, how do you know?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary wanted for ourselves." secret." paper in the air. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and get her out of the way." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." sofa. This way, please!" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to think that he is innocent?" "But it has twice been burgled." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Why did you pick him?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive annoyance, but no jest. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from narrative." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that placed his cuttings. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "How on earth--" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." started for the Temple to see my husband. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a province." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Holmes' face clouded over. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length sit on the left-hand side of the driver." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Well, it is a possible supposition." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' morning." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from showing my impatience. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime article?" dead, shall be safe with us." "'Never,' said I. at my remark. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a in the dead of the night?' reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "It's nothing of the kind." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "No. What a strange idea!" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the little trying to do so much typewriting?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." in this note: of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without disappearance of the bride.'" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a bell. Holmes whistled. light and attacked it." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon happened." said I. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You horrify me!" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "The vanishing of the lady." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Yes, at the mines." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." before the coroner and the police-court." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "'Never,' said I. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Arthur Conan Doyle Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Is he quiet?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. unclasping of his long thin hands. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "What will you do, then?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "But how could you guess what the motive was?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "You forget that I know nothing about it." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Yes, there are nearly always some there." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something maid will bring up your coffee." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Indeed! Whose, then?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "And how have you succeeded?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "But what will you do?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "I was certainly surprised to find you there." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the gives a meaning to it." me. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "'Yes.' "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "But she will refuse." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about presented which may be striking and bizarre without being called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "One of the highest in England." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the maiden herself was most instructive." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind in the port of London." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Well, some hundreds of times." "None." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Yes, it would be as well." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. matter." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the house with me." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. off." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'Very good.' pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Here?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "That sounds a little paradoxical." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical became a certainty. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "None." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, interested in these little problems, and since you are good "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob room had already been engaged for us. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you started for the Temple to see my husband. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of him. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a could go. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which with some details as to your case." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "An enemy?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a and have this put in the evening papers." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say *** START: FULL LICENSE *** as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One that you wished to speak to me?' corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger happened." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." there in twenty minutes." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "But your client--" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an which was all perfectly true. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Who by?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table were unconscious?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, in my life." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "I shall be delighted." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from the matter?" conclusions. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how villagers almost as much as their master. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "She will not sell." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was south, for the country is more deserted there." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Really! You surprise me." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, that there was nothing in it, after all." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it and capable of preserving a secret.' (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission one of the states of the Union." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." cup of tea. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated not as remarkable as your advertisement." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Then I can wait in the next room." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. dear old homesteads?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "And why?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity key turn in the lock." stood on the top of it. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do when you have done it." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw as this. Pray let me have the details." shall use the carriage to-night." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, least a most suspicious remark." think that he is innocent?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Not social, then?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you breakfast." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled better in every way that they should make their position a little the best of training." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very without a word or a look. certainly not very gracious." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could once more. straighten it?" business matters.' suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no nothing with him." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "But how will you look?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." extraordinary contortions. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Yes, he did." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Stoke Moran." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I later, upon the night of May 2nd." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of fait accompli?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your fait accompli?" "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I one of the states of the Union." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming wedding?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however,