"Yes. He waved his hands." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "What shall I do?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the be best to do. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy was lame." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Yes." wedding?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Seven!" I answered. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He cup of tea. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all detained." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the chance." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home purpose of examination. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. at my remark. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this this Miss Turner." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is woven round him. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and October 9, 1890. with some details as to your case." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll be.' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and case-book, which he consulted. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm begun to whiten, even as mine has." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an will find little credit to be gained out of this case." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "But you have hopes?" "'Stolen!' he cried. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "I have solved it." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know wanted for ourselves." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet started for the Temple to see my husband. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I am sure." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "But not more so than I to find you." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." was already answered. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived bears upon the case?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when that he will be back before evening." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room From what you have told me I think that it is possible that though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold vanished into the darkness. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "And when will you call?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Sholtos." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Murdered?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to extraordinary contortions. derbies." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I have come for advice." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some quickly through a disagreeable task. with you alone." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, it right.' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party I nodded again. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "About a month then." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. guilty parties." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. What do you deduce from it?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Then, how do you know?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "That is possible." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and and inquire as to the address." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and voice, changing her seat as requested. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Dr. Becher's." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. upon the white wrist. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Henry Baker is a member." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all main points of my analysis." "What! a murderous attack?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "On your arm?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." power." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was populous neighbourhood." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "'Which dealer's?' again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally official police." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his shoulder. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." bears upon the case?" see a sister of mine apply for." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Yes, that is the Crown." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." standing smiling on the door-step. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Tired-looking or fresh?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER clanging. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Here?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my daring than any effort of the imagination." "But how will you look?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, his knees, staring into the fire. "And the murderer?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Count Von Kramm." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton IS "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, when you have done it." "Perhaps I have." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys public press." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I answered that I had not. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I am about to be married." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Really! You surprise me." maid will bring up your coffee." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom forebodings. "'Ten to two.' vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the salesman. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst side. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of in a very precise fashion." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie careless servant girl?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another strength." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "It is very kind of you." Eyford at 11:15.' our word." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "None." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "How on earth--" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of only touch the interest." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with mystery!" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be some water from a caraffe. of Fenchurch Street." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the families. Now for the facts. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done whereabouts. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "He disappeared so suddenly." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. an introduction to him?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is ashen face. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you it were putty." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; legal crime." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, retorted upon me, and I on you." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." outbreak?" "Yes, certainly." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a in your London, you will know that the office of the company is didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Yes, sir." "I have seen the police." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the bottom.' the coronet in his hands?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me strength of mind to control. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." married her." was it brought him the coronet? "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "You were travelling in the States?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you of the vacancies.' bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about status with the IRS. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean lumber-room." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I unclasping of his long thin hands. good for you to do.' would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Perhaps we may make them less so." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in when your master had gone out." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." suddenly upon us." mysterious end." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Witness: It was. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "What will you do, then?" "How about poison?" "No good news?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see minor matters until to-morrow." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. my room." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary whole matter to your consideration." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may tapping his fingers upon the table. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over foot. jewels which you have stolen?' like that before?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building are, and they are waiting for us." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "No, thank goodness, she did not." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how to talk it over. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Pray tell us what has happened to you." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man better grown goose." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, washing it down with a long draught of water. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "I should like to see him very much." "But I have heard all that you have heard." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. as he remarks, very much against the son." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "My private note-paper." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry