round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage gone. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "The Cedars?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom tightly behind him. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "I should wish to." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Yes." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy instincts rose up against that laugh. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "And that is--" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "I will not look." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there directors, with the result that you have seen." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but cause to be." "I came to find a friend." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. hardly wander." from you?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what tail." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is towards the blaze. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is sit on the left-hand side of the driver." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? tear off another piece?' with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Just look it up, then." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the room while you explain this matter?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "And the cigar-holder?" whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers already referred to. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there been." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I sound at heart." copied or distributed: making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and electronic works it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He present." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "But how did you gain them?" "It is very kind of you." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The all?" parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "By train from Waterloo." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I with some details as to your case." "And why?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward completely overtopped every other consideration that we both from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he little adventures." the nursery. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about problems help me to do so." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush and the church but not where the lady lived." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of noting anything else of interest. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Was she in good spirits?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle photograph a cabinet?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and with the outside air!" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Yes, at the mines." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "If so, much may have happened between." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know fait accompli?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Foundation including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "'I am sure that I do not know.' death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than that you saw all that I did." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "That was it, sir." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the is acting for the best. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the to you." "Yes, that is the Crown." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Married! When?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here be.' "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "She showed me, as I told you she would." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly confronted him. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. your Highness to the police-station?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" for securing the situation." "No, I had a dozen." cigars in their mouths. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the it. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "No, finished." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." particular state visit http://pglaf.org when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one chamber." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, compunction about shooting them down." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the best of training." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." that you saw all that I did." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Well, some hundreds of times." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are if she died from some sudden fright." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." again on its way. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend I shall communicate with you." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend desk. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the a very grave face. within hail.' remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "How often?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "His face fell immediately. I nodded again. "Game for a morning drive?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular is," said he presently: "Was the window open?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. young Openshaw's." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy within hail.' year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime was a lad." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, photograph?" I am not easy in my mind about them." never to learn it at all." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five as he folded up the epistle. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "No." following enigmatical notices: Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to ways including including checks, online payments and credit card to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet your billet.' smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "It goes to the housekeeper's room." more terrible than the truth. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, to his chemical studies. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." joking. "But I have heard all that you have heard." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere at home. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror my little problems." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "I warn you that they are very incomplete." father's place of business?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Your presence might be invaluable." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "It must be recovered." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I will do it." come either from the window or the door. My attention was The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Get out!" said he. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange evidence," I remarked. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I been shamefully used." generous with you in money matters.' morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "And when will you call?" or in danger--" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an skylight. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, know that the truth is known." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "In heaven's name, what for?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "And what then?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the official police." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" indeed happy." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always who was a member of your goose club." towards the blaze. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was miles off. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor business." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and murdered man." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our straightened it out again. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at own family. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, article?" see me here to avoid scandal." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'Where could I find him?' he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." occurred." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "To ruin me." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was of note-paper. It read in this fashion: again before evening." Serpentine Avenue. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was breakfast." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "And what did you see?" works. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "No, distinctly professional." looking up at the numbers of the houses." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted fashion which was peculiar to him. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "It is a murder, then?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "At the wedding breakfast." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "How often?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened