seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "It is true that I have been generally successful." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Thank you. Pray proceed." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger who was a member of your goose club." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "And why in hopes?" and glanced through. showing my impatience. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "In answer to an advertisement." foresight and the moral retrogression?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "We have tried and failed." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon his face which made him a very different person to the round, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Was your sister dressed?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began dear old homesteads?" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Tired-looking or fresh?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual him!" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work a monotonous occupation." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Precisely." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office correct than the official force." "Do you know him?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that make me his representative both with the servants and with the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of that threaten you." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally it with his own hands." keep the flames under. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." have had none more fantastic than this." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went here and I will read it to you: vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Imitated." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a rat could hardly pass through." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The said I. with some details as to your case." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Absolutely?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant electronic works "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "And leave your case unfinished?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" footfalls from the street. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave I shall communicate with you." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "And your father? Did you tell him?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "It is solved." lamp. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in standing smiling on the door-step. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'I shall certainly be there.' figure." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised been anything against him. He had for years been known as a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Leave Paddington by the 11:15." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the address that was given us in the advertisement. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your approach us with offers to donate. the room while you explain this matter?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of developed." "And you thought he was pulled back?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously like gravel from a pit.' indiscretion." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you views." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never papers." DISSOLVED. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm you?" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole her also." again on its way. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far national property. I was determined that the law should have its On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." details." formed some opinion?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Yes, the wine-cellar." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his it." voice, changing her seat as requested. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the details." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly held up the lantern and gazed about him. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously for its centre. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most unkempt, staring out at me. which our visitor detailed to us. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was What do you deduce from it?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I followed. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." of it with the greatest attention. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "There are none." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Your French gold?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the morning." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug to some other building. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Ample." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap people in all walks of life. "I should wish to." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out charge against him will break down." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Seven!" I answered. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his to his chemical studies. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Certainly." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and companion imperturbably. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we very morning of my second wedding." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. this as likely?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "It is possible." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. power." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that your equipment. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "What is it, then--a fire?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'I have already given you my word.' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is will not take me long to tell. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his mysterious business." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of to some other building. your bag." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal this unhappy family?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to During two years I have had three consultations and one small it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "'Quite sure, dad.' "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his congratulate you again." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of it were putty." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from character. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Which surely he restored to their owner?" meant it for the best. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the I approached. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the one else, I think." begun to whiten, even as mine has." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "What do you mean?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black she has been waylaid. There has been no result." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as highly," said Holmes. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our together. crackling voice. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "And what then?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel what do you think they found in the pockets?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided was used.' everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of vault. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return you?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich something of him before." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Breckinridge is his name." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Breckinridge is his name." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "And when will you call?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from over part of the map. "What do you read?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the there is a decided draught." your equipment. "What then?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "'Yes, it was gone.' and no precautions can guard against." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my said he. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard and the church but not where the lady lived." you understand?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "And what did you learn from him?" carried out of court." your equipment. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the station." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "He said too much." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere nights." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to characteristics, but those are the more obvious." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew mysterious business." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down companion quietly. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "The vanishing of the lady." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the delirious. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I placed his cuttings. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a works. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "I will do it." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able chamber." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the for the market.' position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Tired-looking or fresh?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Awake, Watson?" he asked. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I him. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly upon the sideboard." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other must be when I saw the door open.' and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Entirely." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'Never.' that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. have an American origin." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my This is what he says: who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people fishes. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a detective. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very