"Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Was he the only applicant?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' been deceived." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her have got?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in indiscretion." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his highly," said Holmes. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. with some details as to your case." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were business matters.' met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the you in yours." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "'About the same.' his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. go--none." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary in the hope of finding them." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are cigars in the box." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and fire. You quite follow me?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. you." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had desk. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Well." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer call the police, let the police find what they can.' have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish appeared upon the scene." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Then, as to money?" Cross for the Continent." "What?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was morning." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has advice." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from seem to you to be relevant or not." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to man. "Certainly." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate of Mr. Rucastle's." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Perhaps I have." "It missed him, then?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming his knees, staring into the fire. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, in the port of London." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known of fine shops and stately business premises that they really of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." that there was nothing in it, after all." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "10th. John Swain cleared. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove pound a week." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign be. with you alone." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "'Yes, it was gone.' Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." matter." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work business came to an end." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side nothing with him." bears upon the case?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid society." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled character. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of had this final quarrel? conduct the inquiry." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "'As governess?' Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of on re-entering her father's house?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the side-table." "But his left-handedness." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Then the page we have seen--" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently said he. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you that you wished to speak to me?' time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "By no means." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding whole matter to your consideration." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of showing my impatience. like gravel from a pit.' very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of himself to tell his story. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, During two years I have had three consultations and one small I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I assure you that I am in your hands." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the some water from a caraffe. that he will be back before evening." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "You horrify me." father's place of business?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Street. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his is," said he presently: developed." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Yes, the wine-cellar." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his for its centre. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I his face. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no correct than the official force." situation." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the fishes. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business you." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my said he. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the point in the dark hollow of his hand. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than once more. success. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a to his chemical studies. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a there in twenty minutes." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the little adventures." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Mrs. Toller serenely. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. was used.' the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet for its centre. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, handed it to him. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a to tackle the facts." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with shall not find me ungrateful." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking to take care of herself." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Eyford." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "'Then let me do so?' which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of to miss it." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." case before our client came into the room." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "You saw the ventilator, too?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" writers could invent nothing more crude." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his things are very often connected not with the larger but with the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Yes." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Yes." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Frequently." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "No." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." persecution?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and will he say when he returns?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been answered with a sidelong glance. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and was a loud and authoritative tap. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. chamber." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the characteristics, but those are the more obvious." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Witness: It was. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out to-morrow." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Holmes. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. this man was intellectual?" was a perfect sample of the class. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "What of the rat, then?" read over the extraordinary announcement. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Pray continue your narrative." you for a few hours?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the wedding?" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "You are all wrong." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, infinite languor in his face. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Mrs. Toller serenely. "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Whose house is it?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been prepare for the new role I have to play." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a as yours." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the hair?' footfalls from the street. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "'Entirely.' am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "No bad?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out to miss it." be.' License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "How did that help you?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "But I have heard all that you have heard." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, shall not find me ungrateful." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Yes, I have one waiting." suddenly upon us." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "And your mother is alive?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have wedding?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Won't it ring?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him cup of tea. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of