prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that she might be summoned. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. are, and they are waiting for us." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it weapon." province." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper hopeless attempt at recovering them." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Thank you. And your address?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "That is not always so easy." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "And when will you call?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate if she died from some sudden fright." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face more solid." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Have you good authority for what you say?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have amused." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how call for it in person on Monday morning.' relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Mrs. Toller serenely. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face standing smiling on the door-step. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in children over to America with him, so that I found myself without have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate carriage. It was a chestnut." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened results." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Precisely." "And your mother is alive?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the his face which made him a very different person to the round, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of infinite languor in his face. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And 1.E.9. I am not easy in my mind about them." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found strength in the others." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "What! Had he lost his wife?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young troubles have been weighing upon his mind. there has been an enclosure here!" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "But how?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his cigar and let me expound." "When did she vanish, then?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, six. Come in!" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through test if we have an answer to our advertisement." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my she has been waylaid. There has been no result." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine was lame." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's morning." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were taking in every detail of the apartment. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm seven miles from Eyford Station.' upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which to arrive at through this?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "To the police?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all I shall communicate with you." have got?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Why? What do you mean?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned papers must be those that are destroyed.' dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "But how will you look?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Look there!" said he. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well she has been waylaid. There has been no result." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "I have a cab outside." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. the side-table." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Yes, certainly." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were to me. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "By no means." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "No, I think that I'll take it." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, the matter?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." following enigmatical notices: "I cannot as yet see any connection." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "No, I had a dozen." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "That's no good." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that fat-encircled eyes. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. events, Mr. Windibank!" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." invisible to me," I remarked. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "My last client of the sort was a king." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster purpose of examination. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I see many objections to any such theory." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "'Quite sure, dad.' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a to affect your life." of campaign. me upon any point which I do not make clear." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "The murder was done with it." "I see no marks." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no detective. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt there is a decided draught." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such be there in time for your coming." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "It missed him, then?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "'As governess?' of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "What can it mean?" I gasped. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, following enigmatical notices: "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what as noiselessly as she had come. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding States. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Have you her photograph?" access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a yet." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "My private note-paper." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the ceremony." "No, finished." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'Oh, no.' "Yes, he did." "In which, sir?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "What do you make of that, Watson?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "On Monday." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "'Is purely nominal.' located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "And how did you verify them?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. that he will be back before evening." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how go back?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most least a fellow-countryman. the side-table." "At what time?" "'Quite sure, dad.' used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to wife's character?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "'A dozen yards or so.' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. constraint." "She will not sell." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was will take you up to see the machine.' learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "But to whom?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present any." heavily into it. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Look there!" said he. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. point in the dark hollow of his hand. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on what these perils are?" ventilator." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a *** START: FULL LICENSE *** The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, train.' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is deduce something from that?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "9th. McCauley cleared. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of purpose equally well?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the once more for Briony Lodge. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better in the port of London." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the and put his glass in his pocket. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an never came back." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The about. chemical work which was so dear to him. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, might help us?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special during that time.' written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the derbies." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "You were travelling in the States?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of time." like gravel from a pit.' began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." towards the blaze. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." prisoner's face. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "I never have." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "You are hungry," I remarked. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Certainly." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Sholtos." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of her also." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; stood on the top of it. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Thank you. Pray proceed." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are again before evening." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "They are typewritten," I remarked. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." other lovers by making love himself." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, you want, then?' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully