steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Come in!" said he. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Holmes' thin, eager face. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the armchair which I pushed forward for him. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some The note was undated, and without either signature or address. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever were wasted." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off fire. You quite follow me?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "And when will you call?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so vague figure huddled up in the darkness. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and no precautions can guard against." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast train.' request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "I am about to be married." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "And from a noble client?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which towards the blaze. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any in this way: two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the ways of our fellow-men." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we ashen face. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but we went to search for him, face downward in a little "I have my revolver," said I. ashen face. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain me. You must get home instantly and act." the morning and make my own way in the world.' Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, remarked. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Perhaps I have." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view remarked. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "My Mary? Impossible!" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked there was no need for father to know." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one heavy and sharp instrument." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "It came here." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Edgeware Road. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered that you wished to speak to me?' "But it has twice been burgled." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "We must have a cab." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Will you bet, then?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously http://www.gutenberg.net make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Pope's Court, Fleet Street." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort wedding?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our you want, then?' to talk it over. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Holmes. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "This photograph!" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come people don't know." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of carpenter." "What are they?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." infinite languor in his face. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "You have the photograph?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were prove to be little relation between the different incidents of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of me upon any point which I do not make clear." fattened it expressly for you.' "Never." "Dr. Becher's." annoyance, but no jest. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's meant." at my remark. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Proceed, then." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our vague figure huddled up in the darkness. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned things are very often connected not with the larger but with the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Only as much as we can deduce." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From footfalls from the street. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous waste of energy." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. unprofitable." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "By no means." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just fear." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their London for the present?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, noting anything else of interest. "But of what society?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment where we are going." and I shall be with you presently." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Nearly eleven." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "'And the work?' did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident would then never go into court at all." your Highness to the police-station?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, all-comprehensive glances. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'Entirely.' back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at From what you have told me I think that it is possible that should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I companion. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Where is it, then?" way in everything. "What can it mean?" I gasped. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and direction." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and feature." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland writers could invent nothing more crude." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "You are hungry," I remarked. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, late." lumber-room." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy read over the extraordinary announcement. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "A greater distance to travel." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from where Mr. Fordham shows you.' What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Young McCarthy must be got off, however." intrusion of other matters." "Did you observe the colour?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose the coronet in his hand?" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "And your father? Did you tell him?" a good hundred miles off by now." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad been able to understand it, in a very few words. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which rooms." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose made him keep the appointment." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "'Most admirably.' business." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' it right.' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my that you saw all that I did." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project fled together." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily fact, we may call it conclusive." row." my special province." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "In answer to an advertisement." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary money should be paid at once.' Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered have I gained?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' article?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "His face fell immediately. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and quite distinctive." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next ill-usage at the hands of fortune. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'And what salary do you ask?' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Tell me all about it,' said I. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and heavily into it. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Again Holmes raved in the air. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "And how?" was already answered. papers." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a light and attacked it." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Stolen, then." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the matter?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Breckinridge is his name." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must ventilator." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Proceed, then." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the loss of it. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her beg that you will break it off." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful whole matter to your consideration." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told For additional contact information: his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down guilty one." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the obstinate." her also." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Was he the only applicant?" manager. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do definite end. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "And leave your case unfinished?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the that I am arrested." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger something of him before." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a ready to-morrow?' opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had you." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, young Openshaw's." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which that, and I came down." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "What are they?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, your billet.' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "'Entirely.' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped and glanced through. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "A confidential servant?" the night.' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving have accepted such a situation. "'Certainly,' I answered. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Stolen, then." placed his cuttings. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Where, then, is my wife?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Yes, it would be as well." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to was not a bird to be seen there. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough conduct the inquiry." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the general public were present, then?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that subject to the trademark license, especially commercial fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "I will not look." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "But of what society?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. closing the door. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of stood on the top of it. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "'Very good.' him and tried to hold him back. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should straighten it?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest