At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' to a light-house. which are rolled in Rotterdam." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And it. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the drove away. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him light and attacked it." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about were unconscious?" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and interests were the same as his." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to friends, not even his own brother. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less have one." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "You horrify me." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I have seen the police." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal strength." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." business in the City. She little knew what. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still the stable lane now." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, of Mr. Rucastle's." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Not in the least." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Yes." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Yes, only one." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner for the market.' to-night's adventure." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the of this gang." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive roused himself from his reverie. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Doctor, of the paper and the date." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." lectures into a series of tales." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "'What then?' I asked. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when generous with you in money matters.' the King without delay." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "You heard nothing yourself last night?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his humiliation." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Yes, it would be as well." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "That is unusual in a young girl." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever system of imprisonment?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to may have an influence upon European history." client, rising. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just morning." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings enough to aid us in our search." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did murdered man." "The Cedars?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. London for the present?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an back alive. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the nursery. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the general public were present, then?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Munro.' think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "If I can be of use." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one there when the Rucastles went away." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an stammered. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my British peeress.'" written, and locked the door of the office after me. "What will you do, then?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Very truly yours, We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the coronet at all injured?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My shoulder; "he's all right." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with like gravel from a pit.' silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "'There is a drive, then?' You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." presume?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Project Gutenberg-tm works. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Did you become engaged then?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new skylight. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With formed some opinion?" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when sofa. This way, please!" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." learned something! Where are the gems?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup just ask you whether you had heard it.' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to a monotonous occupation." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when records." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "His face fell immediately. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. this man was intellectual?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Nearly eleven." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." in the dead of the night?' "Certainly." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next client, rising. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the coronet at all injured?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'About the same.' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I know where it is." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "What?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "'It is locked up,' I answered. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have even of instruction." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were address. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." round with crates and massive boxes. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "In San Francisco, a year ago." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Witness: Nothing definite. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Won't it ring?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "'It is locked up,' I answered. the coronet at all injured?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread such attractions and accomplishments?' pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'Yes, I promise.' "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the so-precious time, but come!' to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than to some other building. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Young McCarthy must be got off, however." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "And who is her maid?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "The knees of his trousers." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the lamp in his hand. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room examination of the premises, but without finding anything which where Mr. Fordham shows you.' just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know should be taken.' "Your presence might be invaluable." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who humiliation." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were there is a decided draught." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." mystery may be cleared along those lines." happened." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between must be when I saw the door open.' would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend followed. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "What can you not understand?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can voice, changing her seat as requested. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "One?" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "A thing like a cleaver," said he. client, rising. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "What will you do, then?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "So I am. Very much so." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some families. Now for the facts. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you happened." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "That is unusual in a young girl." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between disappearance of the bride.'" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and something of him before." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa persecution?" III. held up the lantern and gazed about him. other lovers by making love himself." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "No, my brougham is waiting." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over invisible to me," I remarked. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, it were putty." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty absolutely follow my advice in every respect." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness.