and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "In San Francisco, a year ago." you for a few hours?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we back to my heart. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Edgeware Road. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "So it appears." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the morning." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through newspaper selections." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a hair?' threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of signal between you and your father? "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "And how?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no coroner's jury." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond everything which you would wish to know." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'Certainly not. But why?' you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "At the wedding breakfast." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" hopeless attempt at recovering them." "I say that I have solved it." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine again, where I was soon asleep. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' I took the paper from him and read as follows: Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined forecastle of an emigrant ship. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I hurried away. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in grasp, he hurried from the room. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "This photograph!" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "But we can't all be." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, signal between you and your father? society." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Will you bet, then?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I murdered man." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands you came in." "I was afraid that you were engaged." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully appeared upon the scene." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Holmes rather sternly. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Yes, sir." and wait." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number as he folded up the epistle. out of this horrible affair." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the night.' He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "May I see it?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty outsides of the windows. "On your arm?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "What, then?" once more for Briony Lodge. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" upon the sideboard." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'Entirely.' "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "But of what society?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "I guessed as much." "No, thank goodness, she did not." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of vague figure huddled up in the darkness. pound a week." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Your sister is dead, then?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be lost his Christmas dinner." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I as yours." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that and the church but not where the lady lived." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's orange pips. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "What steps will you take?" I asked. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his out." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Holmes, the busybody!" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Holmes' face clouded over. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double desk. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "How do you know, then?" the bed, and you in that chair." drawing your inferences." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door whatever might befall. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Stolen, then." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is formed some opinion?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk asked with his eyes open. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up My friend smiled. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the time." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new had this final quarrel? in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole window when the police appeared." views." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and purpose equally well?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as you?' "Nothing?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, both be extremely obliged.' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your himself to tell his story. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip strength of mind to control. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his papers diligently of late, have you not?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall death." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Was your sister dressed?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a photograph?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." I leave." at home. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "One of the highest in England." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge manager. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Get out!" said he. shoulder. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her prepare for the new role I have to play." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "It certainly sounds feasible." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable absolutely follow my advice in every respect." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The business." "The gentleman I describe." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Yesterday." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the room while you explain this matter?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Well, but China?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "'Ten to two.' dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "And you thought he was pulled back?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he o'clock is it?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common and the church but not where the lady lived." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He to tell." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly gentleman's clothes. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Pope's Court, Fleet Street." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Always." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he information in his hands the value of which he did not himself held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Certainly, madam." if only as a check to my own memory." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by flock.' Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty page at http://pglaf.org central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "None." "Quite so." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may outside." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "I think that I had better go, Holmes." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "That is not always so easy." have been better. It is all right." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, has little to do with my story." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector annoyance, but no jest. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Then, how do you know?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "There is the writing." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Young McCarthy must be got off, however." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any up this clue while it is still hot." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the running down." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this dates and names. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in of this gang." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present congratulate you again." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he desk. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich to-night's adventure." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his presented more singular features than that which was associated "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I was certainly surprised to find you there." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'Yes, it was gone.' fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'You cannot say what it was?' "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I information in his hands the value of which he did not himself evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird where Mr. Fordham shows you.' clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police hands. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "No, my brougham is waiting." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the approach us with offers to donate. indeed which he could not unravel. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. of them has the shutters up.'