safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "I have come for advice." fatally injured? first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "An enemy?" "That is possible." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "A call for help, you thought?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here detained." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of until night should bring an explanation. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend 11:15.' Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, to take care of herself." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Certainly." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand crowd. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "That also I could fathom." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its business." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Just look it up, then." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in in a friendly supper." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a your most interesting statement." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's as he folded up the epistle. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to had a long day." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I know where it is." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by photograph?" digesting their breakfasts at home." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt hands. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course it means?" problems help me to do so." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few The events in question occurred in the early days of my "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for call you and give you the chance." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose brandy and water within his reach. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Eyford." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, of the vacancies.' staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "At what time?" you." death." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Yes, sir." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It of a light. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "It looks newer than the other things?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "By no means." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Not particularly." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in call it cruel." again." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And chair. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it held up the lantern and gazed about him. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the fait accompli?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." yards of it?' sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I furiously. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would writing, and yet I know it well." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "And I." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his his face. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal ordinary clothes on?" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. his fortune, and I went back to pa. of receipt of the work. tear off another piece?' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an away into the river." "'There is a drive, then?' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at bird of prey. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and outbreak?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "We were both in the photograph." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "What have you to say now?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss happened." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward said I. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as himself to hunt down. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "10th. John Swain cleared. "The vanishing of the lady." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after morning." "A confidential servant?" "It is true that I have been generally successful." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Stoke Moran." "'Certainly,' I answered. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Where did he live, then?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not looking up at the numbers of the houses." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was congratulate you again." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Well?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a any." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "What do you make of that, Watson?" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I acquaintance?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his may never be exposed to such a temptation." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close whether it answered to the description of any of their once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. instincts rose up against that laugh. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'Is purely nominal.' "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open have had none more fantastic than this." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a nights." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "He is dead," cried several voices. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "I don't say that. Perhaps." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. wanted for ourselves." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "And Miss Sutherland?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a bell. Holmes whistled. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the closely." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the question. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there eat it." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was seem to you to be relevant or not." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I have established a very serious case against the son of the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our was already answered. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon instituted." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Yes." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked point in the dark hollow of his hand. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too noble correspondent could be. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Nothing." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of interest. They are important, you understand, without being learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, of them has the shutters up.' "Pray do so." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "What do you make of that, Watson?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "At what time?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to ready to-morrow?' "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." to have been novel and of interest." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen there was no need for father to know." forebodings. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "The murder was done with it." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my there is a decided draught." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, directors, with the result that you have seen." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "None." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over this unhappy family?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was friend's singular character. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned infinite languor in his face. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated light and attacked it." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I not, dad?" she asked. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment into the room. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Do you know him?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." fat-encircled eyes. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "She will not sell." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that out." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Yes." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'Certainly not.' for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him you give your casting vote to?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" I approached. in this way: "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "I guessed as much." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That distinguish the words: best detective that ever lived. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips