already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The prison!" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I don't believe it." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But chance at all." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United strength of mind to control. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you that I am arrested." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." out of this horrible affair." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. appeal." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Your sister is dead, then?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual your own bird, so if you wish--" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I answered that I had not. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted geese which you supplied to the Alpha." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see charge against him will break down." prepare for the new role I have to play." me what he had done with the three missing stones. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass head. So long, then!" "My dear Holmes!" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and his fortune, and I went back to pa. works. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "He slept on the premises." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Holmes." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray sound at heart." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I cannot imagine." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by made him keep the appointment." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it interest. They are important, you understand, without being Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, will take you up to see the machine.' his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was upon an income of about 60 pounds." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "But we can't all be." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back goes." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "How are you getting on?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "You did not overhear what they said?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'Where could I find him?' as this. Pray let me have the details." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Proceed, then." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "From his hat?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his you do it in twenty minutes!' "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone generous with you in money matters.' murdered man." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an papers on the sundial.'" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where upon the sideboard." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of never came back." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH distinguish the words: "I am about to be married." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before you for a few hours?" that, and I came down." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with ourselves in the office." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. to tackle the facts." "The vanishing of the lady." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast client, rising. said I. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little digesting their breakfasts at home." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close matter." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth lumber-room." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." crowd. "Certainly." "Why did you pick him?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters all that?" "No, but the enclosure is." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the chair. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but name is different." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "And did you observe any change in her then?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "I was certainly surprised to find you there." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, hereditary King of Bohemia." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life be sorry for having acted so harshly." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off strength of mind to control. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Where is it, then?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all heavily into it. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, upon the sideboard." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project are, and they are waiting for us." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of mysterious end." respectable self." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office again before evening." experiences." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the the devil!" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire http://www.gutenberg.net week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'And the work?' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "But she will refuse." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at been deceived." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly conduct the inquiry." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Leadenhall Street--and--" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I deduce something from that?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father any." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Was she in good spirits?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler ventilator." good-night and bustled off upon her way. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "You have it, sir, just as it happened." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had guilty one." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "It is no ordinary one." "Where, then, is my wife?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she bled considerably." are, I think, all that we need." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and During two years I have had three consultations and one small I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "It came here." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have deduce something from that?" at home. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, with the outside air!" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you voice, changing her seat as requested. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of envelope. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I third from London." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one it. in the port of London." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Get out!" said he. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "My photograph." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were followed. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "'A dozen yards or so.' to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as My friend smiled. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "How do you know, then?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about about here speaks of his kindness to him." be.' there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and looked back. tell them apart.' course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary people in all walks of life. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" front of me. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding head. So long, then!" that you saw all that I did." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that right! Sit down and let us talk it over." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came chemical work which was so dear to him. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and But Holmes shook his head gravely. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of coroner's jury." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your read over the extraordinary announcement. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. a very grave face. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his ways including including checks, online payments and credit card greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle ready to-morrow?' august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Nothing." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see troubles have been weighing upon his mind. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very fait accompli?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "That's no good." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Thank you. And your address?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by notes," he said. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a other lovers by making love himself." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his hereditary King of Bohemia." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the to some other building. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very I leave." highroad, where all traces were lost. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this in a friendly supper." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "What office?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the and inquire as to the address." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of be.' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "It is a murder, then?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "'Not at all. I only doubt--' managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Yes." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must imbecility!" he cried. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here will be renamed. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is the Assizes." you give your casting vote to?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low vault. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that along the entire front of the house, with three long windows that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and wedding?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry place of silver." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead begin with, and I had not got mine yet." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "You have compromised yourself seriously." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect