"No." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Holmes." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "The King of Scandinavia." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the coronet in his hand?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little It may be so in this case, also." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an shoulder; "he's all right." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "'Quite sure, dad.' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was crime. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "And why?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, at my own good fortune. again, where I was soon asleep. "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "To the police?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Yes." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Imitated." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "No legal papers or certificates?" "Where is it, then?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "It is a murder, then?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "You are hungry," I remarked. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to get the tickets." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Come in!" said Holmes. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "May I see it?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the coronet at all injured?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced name is different." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "To ruin me." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear was lame." astonishment. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the little opening for the ventilator is." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about long narrative. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that done what I asked you, Jones?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Your presence might be invaluable." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Certainly." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of again." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. have an American origin." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the money should be paid at once.' I. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked his fortune, and I went back to pa. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "I should like to see him very much." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass electronic works some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Why? What do you mean?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles minor matters until to-morrow." Sutherland?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his that, and I came down." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. front of me. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become 1.E.9. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "'Certainly not. But why?' were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It yourselves in at night?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "In the cells." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Yes, they were peculiar boots." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and business?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Heh?' into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "A thing like a cleaver," said he. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the photograph a cabinet?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The with you?" appeared upon the scene." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Nearly eleven." "Where to?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel I leave." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife to miss it." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "You have a clue?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. room?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your I nodded to show that I had heard. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium entirely devoid of interest." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the when you have done it." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "And now?" He raised his hand. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle know what is wrong with it.' a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'What would be the hours?' I asked. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Absolutely?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "It was an hour's good drive." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry hard-headed British jury." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. direction." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "And how have you succeeded?" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or standing smiling on the door-step. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the as the one I chose?' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Street. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and through." your room." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past way in." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the certainly do as you advise." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under disappearance of the bride.'" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley brandy and water within his reach. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the I approached. ways of our fellow-men." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." child?' the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his to some other building. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman happened." "And I say east," said my patient. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug presented more singular features than that which was associated "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Where, indeed?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From occupations.' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all disappearance of the bride.'" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in late." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "What have you done?" asked Holmes. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for disappearance of these gems?" empty. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. notes," he said. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Always." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "But we can't all be." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet with some details as to your case." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. it with his own hands." some city in a dream. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and make me his representative both with the servants and with the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, to Leatherhead. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of married her." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing strength in the others." his grey eyes. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. bled considerably." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "He slept on the premises." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I three fields round his house, and there he would take his "And I to find an enemy." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "That is also quite modern," said the lady. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque you?' Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of have established a very serious case against the son of the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "So I have heard." "Then you may be so with me." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a disappearance of these gems?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave than was visible to me." that, and I came down." woven round him. for the market.' "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." question," said Holmes, smiling. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her on in his house." "And sit in the dark?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; this unhappy family?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "But he might be a bachelor." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should man. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've be.' fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered of the one which your family is now devouring." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "But she will refuse." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Holmes, the busybody!" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "The King of Scandinavia." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my to some other building. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! of the one which your family is now devouring." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Yes." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Not yet." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I get her out of the way." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "One horse?" interjected Holmes. window when the police appeared." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "My photograph." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?'