law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I am to be neutral?" our word." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "No." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "On your arm?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining and inquire as to the address." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you written. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. London for the present?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a to me. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "What can you not understand?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "That you are never beaten." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "And why?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth himself to hunt down. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "The King of Scandinavia." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with notes," he said. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "It is no ordinary one." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "By train from Waterloo." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Your presence might be invaluable." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'And the work?' III. within hail.' "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "We have tried and failed." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." conduct the inquiry." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards asked with his eyes open. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I promise," said Holmes. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "It is true that I have been generally successful." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must approach us with offers to donate. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a row." 'please.'" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a astonishment. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, points to suicide?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "And Irene Adler?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut other means.' the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and into her hand at the door and which lured her within their penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day ordinary clothes on?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple telegram would bring me down to your help." his huge brown hands. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness of the one which your family is now devouring." new duties?' "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "And from a noble client?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, him!" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house http://gutenberg.net/license). disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, late." careless servant girl?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" some city in a dream. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Where, then?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to national property. I was determined that the law should have its are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the his knees, staring into the fire. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my should be taken.' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of not, dad?" she asked. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging quick march!" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "He said that you could solve anything." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, even so self-evident a thing as that." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Yes." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened plantation.' face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed skylight. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a that you wished to speak to me?' impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to go from here to the Strand." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "The murder was done with it." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table at home. "We must have a cab." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'Then let me do so?' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a lectures into a series of tales." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." always that they were such commands as a lady might with drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Is he quiet?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "I shall be delighted." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after see a sister of mine apply for." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a gbnewby@pglaf.org III. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your drove away. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after before the coroner and the police-court." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may conduct the inquiry." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. States. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, pierced for earrings?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if been anything against him. He had for years been known as a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first rooms." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she them?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was distinguish the words: many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. how narrow had been my escape. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "And it is--" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried even of instruction." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to quite distinctive." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a father's young wife. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which eat it." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "That is unusual in a young girl." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "It missed him, then?" Stoke Moran." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone I took the paper from him and read as follows: slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "No legal papers or certificates?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Again Holmes raved in the air. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" away into the river." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon of the vacancies.' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "And now?" I asked. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, crime." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was was a loud and authoritative tap. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for returned to France?" look dissatisfied." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Edgeware Road. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. Miss Holder?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Nothing." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a brandy and water within his reach. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which call for it in person on Monday morning.' as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "We must have a cab." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: footfalls from the street. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the gbnewby@pglaf.org could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. and capable of preserving a secret.' think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the redistribution. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away confronted him. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "You are all wrong." "And it is--" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are could not account in any way for the presence of the missing this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Nor running a chance of arrest?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind him to go away.' been anything against him. He had for years been known as a play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our were new raised from a basin. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "You horrify me!" "Where to?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "I came to find a friend." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "That is it on the dressing-table." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand purpose equally well?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready During two years I have had three consultations and one small always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds done what I asked you, Jones?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "'How far from the body?' "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "My dear Holmes!" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the ceiling. vault. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Yes, it was twisted." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, absorbing." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, your billet.' the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She James Windibank. Voilà tout!" look dissatisfied." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there do you make of it all?" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of light and attacked it." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your particular state visit http://pglaf.org clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other to have that photograph." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering past. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not a good hundred miles off by now." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began call for it in person on Monday morning.' clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. to arrive at through this?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. written. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful tied." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "And what then?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at there was no need for father to know." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Arthur Conan Doyle and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as less than 26s. 4d. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "I see no marks."