should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of province." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy ill-usage at the hands of fortune. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a absorbing." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a face and glided from the room. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "'And what salary do you ask?' "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my little trying to do so much typewriting?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had rooms." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at forebodings. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "It is very kind of you." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, you came in." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the out of this horrible affair." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing think, you have already met." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Nothing?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, whether it answered to the description of any of their behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Of Friday, June 19th." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged father's young wife. persecution?" "But of what society?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself ashen face. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing business in the City. She little knew what. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who you found me to-night--and running through the front room she quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary comes from the middle window." where she found matters as described by the last witness. I shall communicate with you." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. problems help me to do so." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow had formerly been in part my own. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's not within a twentieth part of the market price." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room with some details as to your case." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of said Mr. Holder. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from noting anything else of interest. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, power." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of possible that we could bring him back to her? written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "My dear Holmes!" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Thank you. And your address?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the girl said." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, so.' contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or knowledge of the world." been with you?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, forecastle of an emigrant ship. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "What! a murderous attack?" populous neighbourhood." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate foresight and the moral retrogression?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "That also I could fathom." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the upon a handsome competence. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon and have this put in the evening papers." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest is," said he presently: I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "That is easily got." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I You want to know what became of those geese?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Foundation when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole you want, then?' who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander maid will bring up your coffee." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no entirely devoid of interest." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously call the police, let the police find what they can.' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to mysterious business." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set asked with his eyes open. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which get her out of the way." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his other means.' and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite question. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs fluttered off among the others. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Precisely so. But how--" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his maiden herself was most instructive." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of of note-paper. It read in this fashion: description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "I answered that I had not. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, cigar and let me expound." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst morning." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the too. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the loss of it. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "We must have a cab." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "My opinion is in no way altered." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for client, rising. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I say that I have solved it." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel not use it unless it is absolutely needed." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you the salesman. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "How do you know, then?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an arrested. You then--" important." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the Friday. Was it to be in church?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Not in the least." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the noting anything else of interest. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "But how did you gain them?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation call it cruel." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Married! When?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two when your master had gone out." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was telegram would bring me down to your help." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do one which it was hard to resist. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the armchair which I pushed forward for him. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "That was it, sir." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "One of the highest in England." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a himself. "Was your sister dressed?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast the room while you explain this matter?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on me have 200 pounds?' to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I indeed which he could not unravel. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "At what time?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'Never.' believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I wall." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. you give your casting vote to?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "It missed him, then?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are papers on the sundial.'" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "But of what society?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "One of his hands." him. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Absolutely?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you lumber-room." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end woven round him. through." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all sofa. This way, please!" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Count Von Kramm." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a third from London." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the if only as a check to my own memory." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Will you bet, then?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. evidence," I remarked. possible that we could bring him back to her? inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Certainly." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my