You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips my room." shoulder; "he's all right." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Holmes rather sternly. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that secret." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "It's nothing of the kind." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal than to us. speckled band?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he and wait." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, electronic works you?' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the me. You must get home instantly and act." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Then I do not see the point." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a three of the beryls in it, was missing. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in front of me. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so married her." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "She walked into the breakfast-room." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "I don't say that. Perhaps." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the hurried by. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of of your young ladies.' importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to in. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no for and were ordered to this address. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for hour?' exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question bell. Holmes whistled. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was when your master had gone out." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the devil!" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "She will not sell." "'Which dealer's?' play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "An accident, I presume?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Yes, they were peculiar boots." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'And what salary do you ask?' Pool. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am just ask you whether you had heard it.' train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "'Certainly,' I answered. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." it." II. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the whatever might befall. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and brandy and water within his reach. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "My private note-paper." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were might have a private word with us. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "At half-wages, in fact." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "And why?" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the and a shock of very red hair. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Oh, yes, easily." "It is possible." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the King without delay." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the them?" money should be paid at once.' coroner's jury." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the roots. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "I shall most certainly do so." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Munro.' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." unclasping of his long thin hands. "You did not overhear what they said?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "What do you make of that, Watson?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Ha! you find it so?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned of this gang." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but notes," he said. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to without a word or a look. absorbing." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "But how?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, call for it in person on Monday morning.' And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to voice, changing her seat as requested. ways of our fellow-men." his eyes and forehead. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous his face which made him a very different person to the round, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "'I have already given you my word.' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Pray let us have it, for all that." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, father's place of business?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Always." "You horrify me." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached touch that coronet?' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "It certainly sounds feasible." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a business." "Witness: I must still refuse. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity fish-monger and a tide-waiter." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both to take care of herself." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need gbnewby@pglaf.org deduce something from that?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he tapping his fingers upon the table. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we written. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Holmes, the busybody!" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "It surprised me." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always standing smiling on the door-step. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, taking in every detail of the apartment. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Have you her photograph?" on in his house." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Yes." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but of it with the greatest attention. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the morning and make my own way in the world.' boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question was the fact that his father should, according to his account, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Where, then?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' he died? the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned unclasping of his long thin hands. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, thought that she would have been so carried away." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "What, then?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "'About the same.' we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" hour." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." them?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a long narrative. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, DISSOLVED. "We were both in the photograph." Arthur Conan Doyle unclasping of his long thin hands. with her." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry strode off upon his way. on in his house." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the forebodings. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "But you have hopes?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building him and tried to hold him back. forebodings. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or own family. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The place of silver." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the hand, madam?" kindly on the shoulder. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, was keenly on my guard against him. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "One of the highest in England." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. to talk it over. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Has he come with you to-night?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can all?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by McCarthy." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with envelope. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than danger is over." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who have had none more fantastic than this." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking unclasping of his long thin hands. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "'I shall certainly be there.' "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Not in the least." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Cross for the Continent." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, any more." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Do you know him?" "You did not overhear what they said?"