"Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried was used.' formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Well." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was little trying to do so much typewriting?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his your only hope of safety." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate comes from the middle window." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, a good hundred miles off by now." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own to talk it over. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "No." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "What will you say?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, me." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "In heaven's name, what for?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. as yours." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I families. Now for the facts. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "'Certainly not. But why?' circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Your French gold?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope outside. "Ah!" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" front of me. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project call the police, let the police find what they can.' a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any humiliation." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Where is it, then?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people there!' there has been an enclosure here!" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the round and wave him away like that.' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you answer." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Has he come with you to-night?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "But his left-handedness." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "My dear Holmes!" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "And why?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." The King stared at him in amazement. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "How on earth--" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I lumber-room." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress not, dad?" she asked. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know For additional contact information: "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. it right.' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three orange pips. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Eyford." "And how have you succeeded?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. sound at heart." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have forbidden door. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "And that is--" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. how narrow had been my escape. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have have accepted such a situation. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the certainly not very gracious." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Then I do not see the point." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her which should have the effect of calling the attention of the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a stammered. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had morning." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Awake, Watson?" he asked. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a are, I think, all that we need." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their trying to your nerves." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "You forget that I know nothing about it." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a your Highness to the police-station?" handed it to him. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Yes, I have one waiting." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "'Certainly not. But why?' wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "None." "Very much so." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Ah!" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the charge against him will break down." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "'What then?' I asked. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Thank you. And your address?" "An enemy?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he just called myself is not exactly my own." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Where is it, then?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. there when the Rucastles went away." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "That is possible." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "What do you make of that, Watson?" instincts rose up against that laugh. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the may have an influence upon European history." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "And you thought he was pulled back?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I know where it is." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "I promise," said Holmes. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which coroner's jury." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to matter." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a gone before you can get him to hospital." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our ran thus: 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be my secret was safe in his possession. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "But how?" do.' not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I handed it to him. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Proceed, then." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" breakfast?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Not particularly." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" it were putty." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend her also." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Was he the only applicant?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a business." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "What?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, read it out to me." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "And your mother is alive?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed my secret was safe in his possession. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call second." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. look upon these things in a different way." at my own good fortune. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he noise which awoke you from your sleep?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Did your wife hear all this?" man. I know him from the photograph." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Not in a good cause." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "I will try. What is it?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "How can you tell that?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, she to prove their authenticity?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated fatally injured? leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in that he has suffered." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or me have 200 pounds?' the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "'Where could I find him?' and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom bears upon the case?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I there was no need for father to know." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a arrested. You then--" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place face and glided from the room. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "He disappeared so suddenly." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both dead, shall be safe with us." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a status with the IRS. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, introspective fashion. already been minutely examined." ashen face. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with had this final quarrel? to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest skylight. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. over with notes and figures. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your desk. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was definite end. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Have you good authority for what you say?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the child." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Street. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: over part of the map. "What do you read?" has little to do with my story." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that important." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a digesting their breakfasts at home." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his pressing in one house as in another. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears,