"'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper your billet.' chair. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open orange pips. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door cheerful." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. gbnewby@pglaf.org "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "So I have heard." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and sparkled upon his finger. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose do.' He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We humiliation." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the place of silver." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Yes, but only for you and me." "Deserted you?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." matter over." shoulder. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the of campaign. present." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge some water from a caraffe. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "So I have heard." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and here." to a more successful conclusion." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most or in danger--" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my despair." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "And your mother is alive?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Game for a morning drive?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson bare slabs of marble. Sutherland. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Not social, then?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "ARAT," I read. "What will you do, then?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "One?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded what I may call a really hard day's work." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "'Then let me do so?' completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I would give my fortune to have them back." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Not social, then?" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'There is a drive, then?' very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "But what harm can there be in that?" his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "None." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "You have it, sir, just as it happened." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "No, I am descending." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New which should have the effect of calling the attention of the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all detained." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her burst out into a roar of laughter. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." he bowed and left the room without another word. learned something! Where are the gems?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Heh?' this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "He slept on the premises." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "But we can't all be." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Then, as to money?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Yes, but only for you and me." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar hands. "But how?" assist you in forming an opinion." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "None." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not before the coroner and the police-court." second." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before weary and pale-looking. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It light and attacked it." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "I answered that I had not. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty yards of it?' "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "A confidential servant?" swore that no one else had been in the front room during the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'About the same.' have been better. It is all right." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, companion. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "I cannot imagine." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no I nodded to show that I had heard. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the bottom.' instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' may never be exposed to such a temptation." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of was it brought him the coronet? and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This I leave." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Dr. Becher's." the very morning of the wedding." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I have a cab outside." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "And what then?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "And how in the world did you find them?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small with you?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with be there in time for your coming." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, new duties?' about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your fasten all the windows?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, least a fellow-countryman. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he me. You must get home instantly and act." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. in the hope of finding them." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Eyford." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "BALLARAT." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his happened." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just undoubtedly my uncle's." dramatic, in fact." "No." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is 'please.'" photograph?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "What are they?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Quite so. She has her freedom." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "And how have you succeeded?" Have you good authority for what you say?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him hurried by. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I yet." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Literary Archive Foundation to-night?" I asked. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at breakfast and whispered something to her husband. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the date of his supposed suicide." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern undoubtedly my uncle's." and your relations to her." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from residence of the great financier. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Oh, fresh and glossy." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'I have heard so.' his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several of Fenchurch Street." annoyance, but no jest. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." main points of my analysis." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "And how have you succeeded?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in not use it unless it is absolutely needed." companion. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'In my own bureau.' "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers status with the IRS. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was of his shoulders. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Mrs. Toller serenely. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. touch that coronet?' "My dear Holmes!" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that habit of advancing money.' "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your are windows in it, of course?" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Surrey." key turn in the lock." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his points in connection with it which never have been, and probably slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "What, then, did Peterson do?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "But you have hopes?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my a monotonous occupation." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." habit of advancing money.' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking with her." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us once more. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "But of what society?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help."