be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big fattened it expressly for you.' not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Always." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I writing, and yet I know it well." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "One horse?" interjected Holmes. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Edgeware Road. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there searched, without anything being found which could incriminate run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Precisely." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than introspective fashion. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the second window is the one that I jumped from." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which noise which awoke you from your sleep?" and glanced through. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own once more on the important position which you have been fortunate dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one ways including including checks, online payments and credit card The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "It must be recovered." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such were new raised from a basin. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of and no precautions can guard against." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Yes, at the mines." the devil!" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together business." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "My Mary? Impossible!" "Ample." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "If I can be of use." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Stoke Moran." meanly of me." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'Which dealer's?' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of ventilator." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "And your father? Did you tell him?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the armchair which I pushed forward for him. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Why serious?" photograph?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. your only hope of safety." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Imitated." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. affair. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "'In my own bureau.' that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. laugh and put his lips to my ear. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies call for it in person on Monday morning.' the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and later, upon the night of May 2nd." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias there." situation." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "That is it on the dressing-table." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she be there in time for your coming." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Then I do not see the point." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. way: "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "What can you not understand?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "My Mary? Impossible!" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. man. I know him from the photograph." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "But your client--" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or sentimental considerations in the background which would induce and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I results." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Why, what do you mean?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, be. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are look dissatisfied." but preventing her from injuring another. "Stolen, then." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I mysterious business." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so time." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and papers on the sundial.'" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened sentimental considerations in the background which would induce that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." careless servant girl?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and things are very often connected not with the larger but with the must be when I saw the door open.' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he orange pips. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether the inquest, and which are worth considering." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his are, and they are waiting for us." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the answer." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." hurried by. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "So I heard. You have him here?" quick march!" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your I have it here in my museum." you." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the some water from a caraffe. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "They are typewritten," I remarked. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, narrative." lamp. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "What will you say?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Do you go out much in society?" "Ample." your Highness to the police-station?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "She showed me, as I told you she would." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "'There is a drive, then?' before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "I have my revolver," said I. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Never." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, thin legs towards the fire. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in fluttered off among the others. the coronet in his hands?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Why, what do you mean?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "If so, much may have happened between." "Here?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "I am all attention, madam." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Witness: Nothing definite. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the iron safe, which he closed upon it. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." do." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small and a shock of very red hair. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at outside." lumber-room." But Holmes shook his head gravely. him." drawing your inferences." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "But his left-handedness." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin the very letters. But what is this written above them?' he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Ten will be early enough." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Dr. Becher's." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close of the one which your family is now devouring." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Never." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in just ask you whether you had heard it.' which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a she used." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which Lee, in the county of Kent." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Count Von Kramm." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Dr. Becher's." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is would then never go into court at all." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Then I am your man." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "You have but to name it." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a just ask you whether you had heard it.' people in all walks of life. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do which I could not give. He asked for Alice. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "'Quite sure, dad.' presented more singular features than that which was associated "I cannot as yet see any connection." "You have but to name it." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "And help." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Oh, yes, easily." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the good for you to do.' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** certainly not very gracious." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a I approached. even of instruction." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase fatally injured? would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and direction." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my even so self-evident a thing as that." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Certainly." "But your client--" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in little adventures." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' clang of the bell. papers." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at an introduction to him?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their character. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the with her." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "What, then?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows believe that I should never have any practice at all. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "My opinion is in no way altered." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found shall not find me ungrateful." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "So it appears." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his call for it in person on Monday morning.' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his maid will bring up your coffee." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "'It is locked up,' I answered. about. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "She showed me, as I told you she would." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "I was mad--insane." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, gone. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "And did you observe any change in her then?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her there in twenty minutes." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is