he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we possible that we could bring him back to her? enter Dr. Roylott's room." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and lamp in his hand. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's enough to aid us in our search." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "What office?" "'Yes, sir.' what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Was there a secret marriage?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "No, thank goodness, she did not." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the http://www.gutenberg.net entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a yards of it?' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. one which it was hard to resist. clang of the bell. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the very letters. But what is this written above them?' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Bought." "Nothing?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand ran thus: "I will not look." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when the coronet at all injured?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Indeed! Whose, then?" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a to take care of herself." "He disappeared so suddenly." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were letters?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the letters?" been deceived." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the which we had just quitted. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary sofa. This way, please!" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and indeed happy." "Your sister is dead, then?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are later, upon the night of May 2nd." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. second." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite said he, "my real name is James Ryder." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'You cannot say what it was?' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the stable lane now." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your coroner's jury." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not know all about it," he snarled. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the devil!" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you your sleep?' I held the little printed slip to the light. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this window when the police appeared." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are article?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "But to whom?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California bare slabs of marble. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite to-night?' five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but tear off another piece?' cup of tea. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way him to be an active member of the medical profession." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the it with his own hands." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, that I may have something better before very many minutes are informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Where did you address your letters, then?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "So I am. Very much so." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and records." empty. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'Tell me all about it,' said I. meant." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had and effective." wanted for ourselves." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "The gentleman I describe." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "'There is a drive, then?' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for with some details as to your case." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "In which, sir?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "I would give my fortune to have them back." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me hurried away. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that jewels which you have stolen?' where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "'About the same.' a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for always that they were such commands as a lady might with What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I will try. What is it?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of chair. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "She told me to ask you." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my so.' truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Was she in good spirits?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to late." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide key turn in the lock." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage that I am arrested." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the coronet in his hands?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Certainly." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly more terrible than the truth. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little from the brougham. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. least a most suspicious remark." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. be there in time for your coming." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Certainly." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. face and glided from the room. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my my former friend and companion. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point interested in these little problems, and since you are good held up the lantern and gazed about him. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived best detective that ever lived. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a said I. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary round and wave him away like that.' lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I don't say that. Perhaps." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that highly," said Holmes. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Eh? What was that?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a fashion which was peculiar to him. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her purpose equally well?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "When did she vanish, then?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took photograph?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "'Yes, sir.' impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had enter Dr. Roylott's room." "And your father? Did you tell him?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, will he say when he returns?" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too tail." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "That is not always so easy." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at fatally injured? more terrible than the truth. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive the inquest, and which are worth considering." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on bedroom door." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of note?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." when your master had gone out." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or may never be exposed to such a temptation." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, these bleak autumnal evenings." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air a little more before I quite committed myself. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "It is possible." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "She told me to ask you." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." neither fascinating nor artistic." "And did you observe any change in her then?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the evidence," I remarked. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "My opinion is in no way altered." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his answered with a sidelong glance. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That highly," said Holmes. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Then I shall certainly come." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "What! a murderous attack?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without society." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers she slowly sank and died without having recovered her pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Not in a good cause." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "'Never.' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to asked. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "And for present expenses?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "She walked into the breakfast-room." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "I should like to see him very much." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." business." such attractions and accomplishments?' "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction if only as a check to my own memory." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I and all of them with the keenest interest. "Did your wife hear all this?" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the purpose of examination. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. answered with a sidelong glance. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just are, and they are waiting for us." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. maiden herself was most instructive." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Pray do so." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Never to return." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses to talk it over. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with