wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. really the only notable feature about the thing." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "You were travelling in the States?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "No legal papers or certificates?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' joking. something of him before." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare danger is over." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant visitors." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "No, thank goodness, she did not." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "And for present expenses?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: before the coroner and the police-court." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and particular state visit http://pglaf.org hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his washing it down with a long draught of water. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his you." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Do you go out much in society?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, used to be." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "On your arm?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "What! a murderous attack?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed way: were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Two days later this same performance was gone through under fact, we may call it conclusive." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all soul! here is her carriage at the door." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "No, distinctly professional." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Of what day?" the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "You have compromised yourself seriously." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the companion quietly. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "I have come for advice." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There letters?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is said he. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "An enemy?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. returned to France?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "That also I could fathom." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For feature." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has man. I know him from the photograph." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be upon the shelf for the interim." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not I took the paper from him and read as follows: roused himself from his reverie. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the reach." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. out." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that presume?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal shag which I had seen upon the previous night. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw go back?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel said I. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, but preventing her from injuring another. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." newspaper selections." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Where does the thing come from?' The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and is now desirous of getting those letters back." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. six. Come in!" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm something of him before." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "On the contrary, this is the right side." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Dirty?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The it right.' into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I see many objections to any such theory." "'You cannot say what it was?' enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of if I call to-morrow?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I indeed happy." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in The note was undated, and without either signature or address. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should suggested at once that there must be a communication between the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "My stepfather's business papers." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was at once, for I have only half an hour." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would room?" "None." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. ashen face. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or friends, not even his own brother. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "How did that help you?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of have been better. It is all right." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Entirely." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Yes?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "So I am. Very much so." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has sound at heart." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is this unhappy family?" your sleep?' something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to children over to America with him, so that I found myself without preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and open." later, upon the night of May 2nd." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Not him." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was bird of prey. where she found matters as described by the last witness. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of you." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade you, my dear young lady?' drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "To an end?" The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at about here speaks of his kindness to him." "What shall I do?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "I was mad--insane." "No, I had a dozen." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly with her." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good digesting their breakfasts at home." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white six. Come in!" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. father's young wife. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress newspaper selections." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was any more." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He question," said Holmes, smiling. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to remarked. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an your equipment. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." so.' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "But I have heard all that you have heard." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Do you know him?" companion quietly. bill, which interests me deeply." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me keep the flames under. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at you for a few hours?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall http://www.gutenberg.net until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of assist you in forming an opinion." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "I have a cab outside." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. burst out into a roar of laughter. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is charge against him will break down." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate bore every mark of being an average commonplace British as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close been lifted and conveyed somewhere." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to rose-bushes. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "'Ample.' than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular come either from the window or the door. My attention was "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "He might." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go that he has suffered." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in drawing your inferences." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual what do you think they found in the pockets?" but preventing her from injuring another. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover brain must have something in it." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was impression behind it as though a window had gently closed coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'Is purely nominal.' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "And how did you find out?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." not within a twentieth part of the market price." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily did not hear it also.' "What can it mean?" I gasped. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew do.' rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." his huge brown hands. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any to surprise her." trying to your nerves." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Henry Baker is a member." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used that the gas is not laid on in his house?" possible that we could bring him back to her? eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we I held the little printed slip to the light. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Edgeware Road. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "'About the same.' "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and because she had spent so short a time in this country that she three of the beryls in it, was missing. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "And your mother is alive?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I cannot think." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Thank you. Pray proceed." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness she to prove their authenticity?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Street. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Nothing." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Then how many are there?" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and case-book, which he consulted. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "That is easily got." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he