the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, go back?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan had formerly been in part my own. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "That is unusual in a young girl." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By bill, which interests me deeply." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to not, dad?" she asked. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Quite so." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "An accident, I presume?" "I see no marks." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a good for you to do.' "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "I will, Miss Turner." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one thirty. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of October 9, 1890. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the coronet in his hand?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and think that he is innocent?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the prisoner's face. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a not, dad?" she asked. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." whatever might befall. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Your French gold?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Imitated." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't wedding?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be man. I know him from the photograph." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Never." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared upon the shelf for the interim." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was way in." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before never will be, entirely cleared up. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the conceal it?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has purpose equally well?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. fuss that is made over them." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy of." "And why?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. Have you good authority for what you say?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" thin legs towards the fire. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Did you observe the colour?" enough to aid us in our search." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, writer." His smile broadened. "No. What a strange idea!" mysterious business." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for the station." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, late!' him." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "The decline of his fortunes, then?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "I am still in the dark." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "When did she vanish, then?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my to-night's adventure." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in outside." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there along the entire front of the house, with three long windows confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I questionable one." his knees, staring into the fire. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her second window is the one that I jumped from." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my on re-entering her father's house?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there it." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself wife's character?" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you was keenly on my guard against him. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my situation." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I carried out of court." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the who was a member of your goose club." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, in this note: "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Yes, but only for you and me." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his God! What an exposure! What can I do?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I woman who has had her own way to make in the world. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "He is dead," cried several voices. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'It is locked up,' I answered. purpose equally well?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Chief Executive and Director "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to some terrible trap for her." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "But you can know nothing of this?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your bonnet, and went out." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with strode off upon his way. arrangements." easy-going way." out." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." situation." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the very morning of the wedding." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I will get her to show me." "But you have hopes?" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us is worth.' secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Yes, sir." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Well, but China?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my question you as to those details which seem to me to be most said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle only touch the interest." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even even so self-evident a thing as that." points to suicide?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "We have tried and failed." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend had a long day." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they with the outside air!" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the room while you explain this matter?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not coroner's jury." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Stoke Moran." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." not personally threatened." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited crowd. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work this unhappy family?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I strong reason behind." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Street. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my do." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come there!' "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "An accident, I presume?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he asked. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you had no one to advise her at such a crisis." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. see a sister of mine apply for." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Yes." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged case before our client came into the room." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Pope's Court, Fleet Street." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Of what day?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "How are you getting on?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the may never be exposed to such a temptation." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out your room." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to fuss that is made over them." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his flock.' from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I would pay ten." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, as he remarks, very much against the son." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "So I am. Very much so." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "But you were on a friendly footing?" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the side-table." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Where is it, then?" "'As governess?' princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the take the flies, but not before." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I have solved it." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his late!' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! way: higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Heh?' about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab wedding?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Heh?' "Was he the only applicant?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Not particularly." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain the matter." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He hair?' Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "What, then?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and you came in." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon sneer upon his pale face. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared