I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly into the room. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "But the mystery?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed business in the City. She little knew what. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others passage and a tap at the door. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On http://gutenberg.net/license). might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Witness: Nothing definite. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" that?' "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Tired-looking or fresh?" secret." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "How on earth--" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to a monotonous occupation." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the tragedy. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the very letters. But what is this written above them?' as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "You saw the ventilator, too?" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Edgeware Road. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "But he might be a bachelor." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of that before taking the final step I should like to submit the have got?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom bill, which interests me deeply." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an photograph a cabinet?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must light and attacked it." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a himself. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and see me here to avoid scandal." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" http://www.gutenberg.net of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "How many? I don't know." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to threw himself down with his face to the pillow. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I was afraid that you were engaged." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him not as remarkable as your advertisement." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "'Most admirably.' that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to locked." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on ventilator." sparkled upon his finger. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "None." "'Yes, sir.' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "I will, Miss Turner." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "I see no marks." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance other means.' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be and files of the old papers, following the future career of every case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be know what is wrong with it.' prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has and put his glass in his pocket. opportunities to fix the problem. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in and the colonel ushered me in. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the of his shoulders. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Have you good authority for what you say?" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be matter over." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how him." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Then you may be so with me." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely them present such singular features as the strange train of companion. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. said he. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just despair." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Certainly." was shining brightly. not personally threatened." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the purpose of examination. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' there is a decided draught." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "There is the writing." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "'Entirely.' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The business?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and away in different directions, and I went off to make my own sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "And how did you find out?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the writer." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Ten will be early enough." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the in this way: which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to four million human beings all jostling each other within the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your in the dead of the night?' America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "No, I am descending." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of closing the door. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. placed his cuttings. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young on re-entering her father's house?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "I shall be delighted." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "You are all wrong." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "What I expected to see." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Tired-looking or fresh?" been with you?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her directors have had misgivings upon the subject." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not where she found matters as described by the last witness. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, read over the extraordinary announcement. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he your sleep?' and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Pray continue your narrative." shall not find me ungrateful." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not morning." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy him. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Quite so. She has her freedom." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as the running down." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "'What, the red-headed man?' seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Why, what do you mean?" "Who by?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I astonishment. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My here and I will read it to you: Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "So I am. Very much so." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "It goes to the housekeeper's room." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a fatally injured? "What will you do, then?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Munro.' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "One of the highest in England." "It surprised me." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "But his lameness?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "I answered that I had not. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I never have." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the tragedy. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather him. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to of campaign. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all pound a week." have had none more fantastic than this." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "May I see it?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small entirely lost his self-respect." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a locked. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "She will not sell." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Pool. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is window when the police appeared." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Ten will be early enough." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came chair. "No, my brougham is waiting." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. habit of advancing money.' I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Precisely." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "What steps will you take?" I asked. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we business at Coburg Square is serious." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." himself in a perplexing position. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted easy-going way." "No, but the enclosure is." true." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "My last client of the sort was a king." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I is acting for the best. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms in him." maid will bring up your coffee." anything to do with the matter?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Of what?" must be when I saw the door open.' world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the have been better. It is all right." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "One of the highest in England." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad intimate personal affairs in this public manner." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I cannot imagine." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the long narrative. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my over with notes and figures. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. delirious. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "'What, the red-headed man?' "What is it?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Oh, fresh and glossy." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "The knees of his trousers." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it this man was intellectual?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of