might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "The knees of his trousers." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I and laid it on the table. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" someone who had been in Australia." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Is purely nominal.' however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his lamp. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous when you have done it." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long several quiet little villages up there." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be with you alone." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and sake, don't!" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the room while you explain this matter?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this colour had been driven from his face. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." kind enough to tell me what I should do." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would her also." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Pray do so." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you disappearance of these gems?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this is acting for the best. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy becomes even more simple." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to down. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings man. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER over his head with a sweet womanly caress. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now heavily into it. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It is possible." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the coronet at all injured?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Then I am your man." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside more terrible than the truth. ceremony." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." business came to an end." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more not interfere, come what may. You understand?" and the whole place is in a blaze." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Did he not advertise?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Holmes." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "The landlord of the Alpha." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Holmes. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons voice. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'And what salary do you ask?' have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Imitated." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, when your master had gone out." introspective fashion. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Mary, has deserted me." "VIOLET HUNTER." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in answer." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black which it had come upon my father." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "At the wedding breakfast." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his place no limit on the sum I may draw." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Then, how do you know?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. pierced for earrings?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Yes, sir." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "No sign of it?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down strength in the others." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." derbies." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers learned something! Where are the gems?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's served to weaken the effect. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to appeared upon the scene." lost nothing by them." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Dirty?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Chief Executive and Director "No legal papers or certificates?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking my friend's incisive reasoning. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to o'clock is it?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my morning." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked all?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' indeed happy." here." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of closely." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, secret." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Quite so. She has her freedom." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "You have carte blanche." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too But Holmes shook his head gravely. "It came here." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which you." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Munro.' freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "She will not sell." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will with the outside air!" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "A greater distance to travel." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more be.' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert an introduction to him?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "You horrify me!" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that absorbing." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so pierced for earrings?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I assure you that I am in your hands." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, felt the room to be a little close.' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "An accident, I presume?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in of the way of danger. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Sutherland?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our been anything against him. He had for years been known as a world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'Why that?' I asks. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away you want, then?' "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I think that it is very probable." kindly on the shoulder. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel outbreak?" "None." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a to Leatherhead. these bleak autumnal evenings." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the your bag." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling looking up at the numbers of the houses." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself pictures, libraries, or plate. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you stalked out of the room. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more will be renamed. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he following enigmatical notices: almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable cost them two and thirty pounds." will be renamed. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was long narrative. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "What steps will you take?" I asked. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in look upon these things in a different way." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into be. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain with her." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Not yet." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "No." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of ago." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with six. Come in!" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." that?' much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never been shamefully used." call the police, let the police find what they can.' any." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still is," said he presently: were new raised from a basin. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight whatever might befall. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and he bowed and left the room without another word. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Can I be of assistance?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his to miss it." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't official police." it with his own hands." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Then, as to money?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. guilty parties." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Never." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small and all of them with the keenest interest. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who 'I should be able to look after that for you.' take the flies, but not before." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his