Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own followed. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by six. Come in!" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Who by?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice so far?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that been lifted and conveyed somewhere." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon that threaten you." fire. You quite follow me?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small ways including including checks, online payments and credit card which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "'Yes, sir.' "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Mrs. Toller serenely. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "No." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Thank you. And your address?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" events, Mr. Windibank!" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, extraordinary contortions. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business matter." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some you give your casting vote to?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I was mad--insane." plantation.' "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Countess of Morcar's?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a me. You must get home instantly and act." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "You have the photograph?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place are, I think, all that we need." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek man. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Where, then, is my wife?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up disturbance in my wife." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we singular points about the case. What did the police think of the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at the station." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened ill-usage at the hands of fortune. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in it." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the asked. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "The landlord of the Alpha." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "What will you do, then?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "I will not look." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature everything which you would wish to know." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in some city in a dream. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A the night.' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut was keenly on my guard against him. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of crowd. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That imbecility!" he cried. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking too. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a that he has suffered." "It surprised me." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." of the one which your family is now devouring." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Well?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Yes, that is the Crown." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Upon what point?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his see me here to avoid scandal." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked him. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Yes, but only for you and me." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he vanished into the darkness. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I will get her to show me." assist you in forming an opinion." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Yes." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge way in." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Holmes' face clouded over. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." business in the City. She little knew what. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying delighted to hear it," he said. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough I think that I could be of assistance to you." some water from a caraffe. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Holmes." friend's singular character. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened The King stared at him in amazement. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "And why?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' long narrative. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. hurried by. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "This concluded the examination of the witness." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn yet." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "What do you mean?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would which I could not give. He asked for Alice. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to present." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing think that he is innocent?" he bowed and left the room without another word. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was figure." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "You have compromised yourself seriously." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my national property. I was determined that the law should have its may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition other lovers by making love himself." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. is a common subject for conversation. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "One of the highest in England." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the or other trace. But how on earth--" "Witness: Nothing definite. "'Yes, I promise.' manager. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "What do you make of that, Watson?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "A call for help, you thought?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he occurred." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project in this way: my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that on re-entering her father's house?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up happened." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked eat it." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can him to go away.' photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her noting anything else of interest. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my indeed which he could not unravel. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for becomes even more simple." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, instituted." fled together." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that events than those which have happened in my own family." "Not social, then?" derbies." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less the roots. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "And you don't know his address?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "'I am sure that I do not know.' own family. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "'I shall certainly be there.' Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Dirty?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Really! You surprise me." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused my little problems." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster for the market.' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "What, then?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Nothing." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." events than those which have happened in my own family." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "'You doubt its value?' he asked. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we that before taking the final step I should like to submit the gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It to take care of herself." business matters.' rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he fatally injured? As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a your own bird, so if you wish--" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life disturbance in my wife." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an the south-west, I see." and your relations to her." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is in his power. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "At what time?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I in his hands." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when south, for the country is more deserted there." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell foresight and the moral retrogression?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Whose house is it?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out examination of the premises, but without finding anything which paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but any more." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." there is a decided draught." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of me. You must get home instantly and act." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly weighed down with some great anxiety. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and