town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, entirely devoid of interest." "It's nothing of the kind." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. with the outside air!" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Come in!" said Holmes. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend row." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son a room. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through nothing of it?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Yes, that is the Crown." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil photograph a cabinet?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'About the same.' "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to of this gang." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from yards of it?' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "What have you to say now?" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my will find little credit to be gained out of this case." breakfast." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant power." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better call for it in person on Monday morning.' also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, hands. "I shall most certainly do so." row." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches fasten all the windows?" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of soul! here is her carriage at the door." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said at once, for I have only half an hour." province." "I have solved it." "And what then?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "You have it, sir, just as it happened." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Cross for the Continent." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Well." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, one of them." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt relation between them, and what the object of his repeated but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no children over to America with him, so that I found myself without as he folded up the epistle. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not not as remarkable as your advertisement." have had none more fantastic than this." away into the river." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "No." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "She will not sell." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting you give your casting vote to?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Certainly." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an walking." "It looks newer than the other things?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "In what way?" asked Holmes. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped are windows in it, of course?" important." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "You heard nothing yourself last night?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Then I do not see the point." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must lamp. have established a very serious case against the son of the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive his eyes and forehead. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Well, but China?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated wedding?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is a very grave face. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a whole matter to your consideration." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "That also I could fathom." "That is possible." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the help us in this matter." "Holmes, the busybody!" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my call the police, let the police find what they can.' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "What can you not understand?" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Proceed, then." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental them present such singular features as the strange train of introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we swore that no one else had been in the front room during the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we and effective." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Nothing?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the warnings." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that to some other building. questionable one." writer." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he to-night's adventure." yet." "Ten will be early enough." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter bears upon the case?" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on light and attacked it." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled empty. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what to where he stood hid behind the curtain. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He standing smiling on the door-step. disappearance of these gems?" "Which are?" but preventing her from injuring another. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in his huge brown hands. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "How do you know, then?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon enough to aid us in our search." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "At the wedding breakfast." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "A client, then?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the of a light. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There it right.' little adventures." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the photograph a cabinet?" voice, changing her seat as requested. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. get her out of the way." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate chance at all." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a intrusion of other matters." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and front of me. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "But the mystery?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily ways of our fellow-men." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Which surely he restored to their owner?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which cigars in their mouths. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. never came back." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "And how?" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place strength." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those awkward doing business with an alias." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with when you have done it." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." leave you to your papers for a little." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "About a month then." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "And you don't know his address?" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Yes, the wine-cellar." said I. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the posted to-day." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "'Never,' said I. before the coroner and the police-court." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to to-night?" I asked. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Come in!" said Holmes. "'There is a drive, then?' another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the was shining brightly. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "I was sure that I might rely on you." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock served to weaken the effect. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you perplexity from it to my illustrious client. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful allusion to a rat. matter over." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and did not hear it also.' astonishment. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Can I be of assistance?" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, respectable self." "Could he throw no light?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "'And what salary do you ask?' foresight and the moral retrogression?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "He is dead," cried several voices. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the fear." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me straightened it out again. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another little adventures." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" her also." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "No legal papers or certificates?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his suggested at once that there must be a communication between the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet and laid it on the table. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your hurried by. our word." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several interests were the same as his." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the secret." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." take the flies, but not before." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Was your sister dressed?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Whose house is it?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one