alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Come in!" said he. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event if only as a check to my own memory." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at me." "'Quite sure, dad.' introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "She walked into the breakfast-room." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony again before evening." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I hands. "Yes, that is the Crown." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Well?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "How long did she speak to this Alice?" appeared upon the scene." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Yes, the wine-cellar." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who and that he would see to anything that turned up. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "An enemy?" thought that she would have been so carried away." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in of fine shops and stately business premises that they really words came to my lips. said I. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my might help us?" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. peculiar to him. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "The gentleman I describe." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "'What, the red-headed man?' eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Frequently." said Mr. Holder. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Not particularly." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and envelope. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid roused himself from his reverie. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Where, then, is my wife?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "'No, I know no one in these parts.' while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional towards the blaze. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business then?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free security.' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he for its centre. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. as this. Pray let me have the details." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he there were one or two details which were new to me. But the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, his forehead." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." companion quietly. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' cigars in the box." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It that I can to serve you." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be without success. At last the little money which I had saved began although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking case before our client came into the room." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit friends, not even his own brother. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the anything to do with the matter?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, a little more before I quite committed myself. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "That also I could fathom." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'Ample.' "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Where to?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the was feeling which was the fattest.' "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of neither fascinating nor artistic." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" him, that man would not have given me such complete information "ARAT," I read. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' this remarkable episode. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the later, upon the night of May 2nd." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Ha! you find it so?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a do.' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "It came here." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "No." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about yet." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project was the fact that his father should, according to his account, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to leaning back in his chair. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those feature." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "And on what day did he meet his death?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would For additional contact information: "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which into her hand at the door and which lured her within their during which he might have communicated with his friend the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of himself to hunt down. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Where, then?" and your relations to her." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he spare." were wasted." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' should be taken.' "Thank you. And your address?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day next day. "In which, sir?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between thirty. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "I will not look." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out infinite languor in his face. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but of your young ladies.' their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would me, and I could not think that his explanation of the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any I approached. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and be. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never newspaper selections." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "My own seal." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The that before taking the final step I should like to submit the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few colour had been driven from his face. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole you." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of was it brought him the coronet? We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and records." to-night?" I asked. corner of the building. "'A dozen yards or so.' higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful existence." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "An accident, I presume?" that I can to serve you." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I heavy and sharp instrument." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he was lame." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Yes, but only for you and me." any." "But your client--" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "On Monday." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It pierced for earrings?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as down from London to inquire more deeply into it." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "And you don't know his address?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "'Certainly not.' some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just at my own good fortune. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a garden below. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you during which he might have communicated with his friend the business in the City. She little knew what. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from have got?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition begin with, and I had not got mine yet." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to hopeless attempt at recovering them." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in ready to-morrow?' bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an went to the Alpha were town bred." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "What is it, then--a fire?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, despair." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "And help." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute particular state visit http://pglaf.org beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds said I. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the devil!" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "None. Neville wrote those words." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There get her out of the way." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "And I say east," said my patient. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. behind me. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the see me here to avoid scandal." "May I see it?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the I think that I could be of assistance to you." was shining brightly. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every his fortune, and I went back to pa. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Yes." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is what these perils are?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before forebodings. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing gigantic client. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of to a light-house. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the mystery!" upon the sideboard." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the appointment with me for six o'clock?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Project Gutenberg-tm works. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, nights." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and the driver. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, all-comprehensive glances. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Did he not advertise?" name is different." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Very murderous indeed." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress