A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been be there in time for your coming." clanging. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "'Most admirably.' more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. chill to my heart. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "You horrify me!" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "That also I could fathom." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of triumphant cloud from his cigarette. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the inquest, and which are worth considering." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Never to return." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the which our visitor detailed to us. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "VIOLET HUNTER." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' happened." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "No bad?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Holmes' face clouded over. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. think you a quite exceptional woman." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Surrey." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence prove to be little relation between the different incidents of had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Yes." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he roused himself from his reverie. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his indeed which he could not unravel. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon congenial hunt. generous with you in money matters.' glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I have my revolver," said I. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a go back?" down. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous this man was intellectual?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" whereabouts. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King you came in." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise late!' "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in she used." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and wedding?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" and effective." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence with frightened eyes at his accuser. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "This concluded the examination of the witness." think that he is innocent?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been him, that man would not have given me such complete information "No, finished." "Quite so." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a which it had come upon my father." formed some opinion?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Then I shall certainly come." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "9th. McCauley cleared. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent take the flies, but not before." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It of note-paper. It read in this fashion: long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can disappearance of these gems?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net if she died from some sudden fright." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Witness: Nothing definite. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police opened the door, and slipped through. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his most interesting one." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that threaten you." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Of Friday, June 19th." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, room?" "To ruin me." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to ways including including checks, online payments and credit card his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Your sister is dead, then?" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Where is it, then?" to tackle the facts." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "I don't believe it." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I am in hopes that she does." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a formed some opinion?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "I cannot tell." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which McCarthy's innocence. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Eh? What was that?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'And the work?' left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "She told me to ask you." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire here." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery call for protection in the marriage market, for the present examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, bled considerably." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "VIOLET HUNTER." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You think that he is dead?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "I have hopes." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up strode off upon his way. "Yes, sir." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "It is possible." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the burst out into a roar of laughter. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there evidence," I remarked. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you himself to hunt down. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "The King of Scandinavia." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with public press." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we The events in question occurred in the early days of my lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are minor matters until to-morrow." "Yes, only one." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." three of the beryls in it, was missing. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she as he folded up the epistle. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Yes, only one." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently father's place of business?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will help us in this matter." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I think it very unlikely." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Here?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the jewels which you have stolen?' "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "What are they?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire hardly wander." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such III. placed his cuttings. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers that you can jump it.' "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "And why?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "But you would not advise me to refuse?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The my special province." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "I am in hopes that she does." danger is over." rooms." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly occupations.' detained." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "You horrify me!" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling hand, madam?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and that I may have something better before very many minutes are chance." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said new acquaintance to Baker Street. must be when I saw the door open.' "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Yes, from Horsham." astonishment. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Was there a secret marriage?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Murdered?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a chair. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she the address that was given us in the advertisement. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her you." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. instincts rose up against that laugh. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "In which, sir?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that pictures, libraries, or plate. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Not in the least." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "It was." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and one which it was hard to resist. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' away into the river." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Gutenberg-tm License. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same beg that you will break it off." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in his fortune, and I went back to pa. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." think that any burglar could have done. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Dark enough and sinister enough." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside child?' pierced for earrings?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his have got?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little his wife has ceased to love him." may never be exposed to such a temptation." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been delirious. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, emerged. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather wanted for ourselves." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his there." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of standing smiling on the door-step. "Here?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and that he has suffered." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the His name is Francis Prosper." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just strong reason behind." in the port of London." "How about poison?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in meant." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a this Miss Turner." them?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "And what did you see?" "Could he throw no light?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about was already answered. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?"