by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Pray tell us what has happened to you." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "I cannot tell." "The King of Scandinavia." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "It is possible." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked occurred." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Surrey." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. and put his glass in his pocket. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "None." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it that he has suffered." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Yes, certainly." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "No, finished." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Where, then, is my wife?" "Why, what do you mean?" from you?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, fluttered off among the others. "How do you know, then?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Then he might have called to you?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might pound a week." developed." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked over here." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Certainly." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the floor. good-night and bustled off upon her way. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" few hundred pounds.' you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Yes, that is the Crown." bachelor.' "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the tragedy. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I visitors." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "But she could not love him." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most ran thus: the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the fashion which was peculiar to him. bill, which interests me deeply." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in the inquest, and which are worth considering." bill, which interests me deeply." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my became a certainty. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt already been minutely examined." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of has little to do with my story." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a License. You must require such a user to return or heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do gone. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the few hundred pounds.' past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Leadenhall Street--and--" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "No, but the enclosure is." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be province." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and carriage. It was a chestnut." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "How on earth--" have one." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Mrs. Toller serenely. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "And from a noble client?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" foot. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "You were travelling in the States?" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "You did not overhear what they said?" Does that suggest anything?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door crime. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Do you go out much in society?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." of your young ladies.' "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up gone. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your what is your own theory as to what took place?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "But how did you gain them?" papers on the sundial.'" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie humiliation." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "His face fell immediately. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the like that before?" asked. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house that?' brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his photograph?" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, with you alone." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you goes." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I have solved it." "'Never,' said I. "How are you getting on?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known my former friend and companion. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, had a long day." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one straightened it out again. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress again on its way. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was which it had come upon my father." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable once more for Briony Lodge. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns main points of my analysis." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You for and were ordered to this address. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I beyond words. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; rose-bushes. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. noble correspondent could be. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "'Tell me all about it,' said I. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "It was an hour's good drive." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition window when the police appeared." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Will you bet, then?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "It is half-past ten now." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in foot. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. examine." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable and the colonel ushered me in. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but kindly on the shoulder. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of way in." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe woven round him. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out upon an income of about 60 pounds." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and handed it to him. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This to that open window." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Why, what do you mean?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' strength." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, rooms." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that goes." Heh?' "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the helping a boy to put up the shutters. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. we went to search for him, face downward in a little paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a have one." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; I have it here in my museum." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "What?" "Precisely." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban of campaign. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I experiences." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his room. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how way in everything. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "I am about to be married." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip had this final quarrel? hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a events, Mr. Windibank!" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my an introduction to him?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "You don't mind breaking the law?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "I guessed as much." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Serpentine Avenue. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell during that time.' "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, chill to my heart. "The best possible." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, secret." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It door?" voice, changing her seat as requested. from you?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "That was it, sir." your troubles." "They are typewritten," I remarked. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of together. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an your own bird, so if you wish--" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion whatever might befall. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that