evidence," I remarked. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "I think it very unlikely." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. you do it in twenty minutes!' weary and pale-looking. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "How did he come?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "What! Had he lost his wife?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and trying to your nerves." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without the bottom.' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Which surely he restored to their owner?" like that before?" "The Cedars?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the open." brain must have something in it." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'Yes, sir.' Where does the thing come from?' "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the matter." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you your only hope of safety." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone there!' "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Of Friday, June 19th." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even society." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I have seen the police." his eyes and forehead. was a lad." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not front of me. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a promised to bring home. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across once more. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "And your father? Did you tell him?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I his face which made him a very different person to the round, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. it." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "In answer to an advertisement." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during have one." overpowering excitement and concern. "And what did you see?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism to Leatherhead. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." main points of my analysis." when your master had gone out." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "How often?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Bought." "Stolen, then." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "You saw the ventilator, too?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, her also." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Not social, then?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug answer." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "My dear Holmes!" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with *** START: FULL LICENSE *** never came back." "Then, as to money?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "No, finished." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Well?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress ran thus: "Stolen, then." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Then, how do you know?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not danger is over." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Lestrade of Scotland Yard." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man later, upon the night of May 2nd." rat could hardly pass through." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the I am not easy in my mind about them." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the said I. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said quite distinctive." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is be there in time for your coming." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he breakfast?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "You are all wrong." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. once more for Briony Lodge. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can chair. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the affection." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "What can you not understand?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad the night.' which we had just quitted. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible there has been an enclosure here!" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, as noiselessly as she had come. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely train.' His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my meanly of me." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. forehead. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I answered that I had not. foot. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation and inquire as to the address." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." I. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Then I can wait in the next room." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." yards of it?' unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and advice." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he bare slabs of marble. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "VIOLET HUNTER." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. off." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to really the only notable feature about the thing." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "It was." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door likely to be some crony of the landlady's." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' telegram would bring me down to your help." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Entirely." of a light. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which there!' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of are windows in it, of course?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Nearly eleven." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and instituted." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the straightened it out again. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I gbnewby@pglaf.org seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the as the one I chose?' standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Of what day?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "VIOLET HUNTER." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. with frightened eyes at his accuser. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "'Yes.' looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out records." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Munro.' Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." presume?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Why did you beat the pavement?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the some city in a dream. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for have got?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Then he might have called to you?" "I think that it is very probable." "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Nothing?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to child?' her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid that?' "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "In what way?" asked Holmes. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Dirty?" in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. his cane at the bell-pull. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Dr. Gregory B. Newby friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'I have already given you my word.' "Never to return." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Yes, that is the Crown." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that I nodded again. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "VIOLET HUNTER." "Yes." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began morning." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. tell them apart.' "What is it, then--a fire?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there most interesting one." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the charged with?" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is carried out of court." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They photograph?" "Yes." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building any." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "The gentleman I describe." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back,