rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to must compliment you." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Entirely." "Then how many are there?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Never." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence just called myself is not exactly my own." nothing of it?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if The summons was a brief and urgent one. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing eat it." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Texas, I think." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "How did that help you?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while guilty parties." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most yourselves in at night?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the side-table." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "And how in the world did you find them?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it despair." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Ah!" tightly behind him. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "No, my brougham is waiting." Eyford." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to roused himself from his reverie. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a that, and I came down." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those is entirely a question of barometric pressure." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "The Coroner: What do you mean? "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In highroad, where all traces were lost. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive way in everything. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical astonishment. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by families. Now for the facts. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "What then?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and with you alone." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must thin legs towards the fire. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Get out!" said he. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Where, indeed?" o'clock is it?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have never to learn it at all." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are details." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "I would give my fortune to have them back." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close details." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a at a side door. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might for its centre. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such it right.' following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, have got?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was events than those which have happened in my own family." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should bore every mark of being an average commonplace British pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more suddenly upon us." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition interest. They are important, you understand, without being waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A your equipment. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "But not more so than I to find you." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended read over the extraordinary announcement. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were were unconscious?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "And is that all?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "And how did he make his money?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Awake, Watson?" he asked. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "She will not sell." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales hair?' exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that nice household for a young lady." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "'Never,' said I. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we appeal." to Leatherhead. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have returned to France?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the inquest, and which are worth considering." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he to-night." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the may never be exposed to such a temptation." "What office?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "You are certainly joking, Holmes." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary his knees, staring into the fire. "It certainly sounds feasible." Henry Baker is a member." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right said he. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me less than 26s. 4d. "I will try. What is it?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' said Mr. Holder. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "No, I am descending." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but there were one or two details which were new to me. But the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "The doctor?" rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a we went to search for him, face downward in a little sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a through." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to hurried by. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a such person." that he has suffered." fear." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate *** START: FULL LICENSE *** a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "'Yes, sir.' as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." fled together." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, coat-tails." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Why, what do you mean?" "Yes, but only for you and me." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do her also." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Certainly." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Arthur Conan Doyle "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Yes, there are nearly always some there." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "You think that he is dead?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Where, then?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham six. Come in!" fait accompli?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "It is possible." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to following enigmatical notices: had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' sneer upon his pale face. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the one as in the other." directors, with the result that you have seen." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which crime. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere province." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out taking in every detail of the apartment. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, woven round him. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us residence of the great financier. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. late." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I in the dead of the night?' that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards power." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a little trying to do so much typewriting?" out of this horrible affair." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "None." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by begun to whiten, even as mine has." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "But I am all in the dark." shoulder; "he's all right." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place read over the extraordinary announcement. "Murdered?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, directly by questioning you." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so must compliment you." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Entirely." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your bird of prey. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, crackling voice. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He where Mr. Fordham shows you.' somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be conclusions. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me to-morrow." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an you found me to-night--and running through the front room she which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest has little to do with my story." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "We must have a cab." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' child?' highroad, where all traces were lost. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention hair?' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "No. His orders were to stay in the house." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner went to the Alpha were town bred." "I see no marks." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "So I heard. You have him here?" "I do." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Then I do not see the point." "To ruin me." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Munro.' William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Nothing." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "There is the writing." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "I beg pardon." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Breckinridge is his name." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is existence." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me weigh very heavily upon my conscience." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Has he come with you to-night?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which with frightened eyes at his accuser. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "It was." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Clair, of Lee." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'It is locked up,' I answered. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Not particularly." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with