commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was touch that coronet?' enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "He said too much." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of returning from some small jollification and was making his way with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your annoyance, but no jest. "Then how many are there?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "On Monday." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step noise which awoke you from your sleep?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the me what he had done with the three missing stones. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his ways including including checks, online payments and credit card flock.' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and right! Sit down and let us talk it over." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Yes." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Yes." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' me have 200 pounds?' it right.' most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that families. Now for the facts. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very drawing your inferences." the devil!" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'What would be the hours?' I asked. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers been anything against him. He had for years been known as a with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two there when the Rucastles went away." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "No." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. your Highness to the police-station?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not me." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." the dangers which encompass me." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "What! Had he lost his wife?" chamber." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard test if we have an answer to our advertisement." salesman. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. "My last client of the sort was a king." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Entirely." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a outsides of the windows. "Frequently." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with better in every way that they should make their position a little Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Yes, that is the Crown." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little without a word or a look. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Will you go?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other threw himself down with his face to the pillow. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was of a light. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "What is it?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my your bag." "'Entirely.' is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Entirely." Serpentine Avenue. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to careless servant girl?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "What?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "But I have heard all that you have heard." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached remarked. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Yes, all." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'And what salary do you ask?' jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was wanted for ourselves." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Bought." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the The King stared at him in amazement. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he most important business. It is probable that he will be away all some mystery and the punishment of some crime." colour had been driven from his face. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to experiences." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the room while you explain this matter?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I will get her to show me." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who evidence," I remarked. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a some terrible trap for her." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "But he might be a bachelor." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and that, and I came down." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Munro.' He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a think that he is innocent?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "And what did you learn from him?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "'A dozen yards or so.' him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room house for five minutes.' uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt acquaintance?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about roused himself from his reverie. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in your equipment. looking up at the numbers of the houses." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Did you become engaged then?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door opened the door, and slipped through. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his towards the blaze. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "'Certainly not. But why?' and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, question," said Holmes, smiling. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax individual and becomes the badge of a society." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "And your mother is alive?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not as he folded up the epistle. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my anything to a woman, for she would have her way." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I don't say that. Perhaps." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was of receipt of the work. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the help us in this matter." not within a twentieth part of the market price." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. opportunities to fix the problem. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "And the murderer?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I some place of shelter and let the county police know what has drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." where we are going." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in in the port of London." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder call you and give you the chance." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" page at http://pglaf.org at my remark. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' rooms." morning." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'I shall certainly be there.' think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "You saw the ventilator, too?" more solid." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Precisely." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' as the one I chose?' "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Yes." "Oh, fresh and glossy." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. and inquire as to the address." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to to you." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "The Cedars?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, awaited us upon the table. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." vault. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Did he not advertise?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Yes, at the mines." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with them, and came down just as you departed. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our is acting for the best. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a will not take me long to tell. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "'And the work?' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Pray do so." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "No. What a strange idea!" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "One of his hands." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of British peeress.'" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was at my remark. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the such attractions and accomplishments?' about. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he morning." "It missed him, then?" gbnewby@pglaf.org Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party fuss that is made over them." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of arrangements." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a bird I ate is country bred." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with DAMAGE. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "What do you make of that, Watson?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if was once confined in the cab my mission was practically His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. you want, then?' "Texas, I think." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son most important business. It is probable that he will be away all that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a with her." your room." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." could gather together that I was able to avert another public "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right