us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your very peculiar words of the dying woman?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. him and tried to hold him back. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "How did you trace it, then?" at a side door. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Certainly." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Yes." with frightened eyes at his accuser. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this hour." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Your presence might be invaluable." "And you can do nothing until then?" upon the sideboard." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I past. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, eat it." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'Very good.' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no a little more before I quite committed myself. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Yes." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "None." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my than was visible to me." written. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she affection." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Yes, but only for you and me." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'Yes, it was gone.' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Upon what point?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "I have my revolver," said I. rose-bushes. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been married her." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is It may be so in this case, also." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for certainly do as you advise." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would matter over." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the directors, with the result that you have seen." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "What then?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of get the tickets." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily breakfast." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the been able to understand it, in a very few words. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. how narrow had been my escape. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "I came to find a friend." goes." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Very well, sir. And this stone?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "'I shall certainly be there.' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one up this clue while it is still hot." "What steps will you take?" I asked. "And the cigar-holder?" your most interesting statement." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which directors, with the result that you have seen." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. hurried by. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we again, where I was soon asleep. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, asked. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence straighten it?" overpowering excitement and concern. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet have not had my rubber." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest there has been an enclosure here!" "But you were on a friendly footing?" wall." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the address that was given us in the advertisement. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly her also." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "ARAT," I read. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not colonel looking down at me. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." bird of prey. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for tell me that you intended to go into harness." writers could invent nothing more crude." upon the white wrist. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon call it cruel." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "What have you done?" asked Holmes. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Whose house is it?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Again Holmes raved in the air. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which approach us with offers to donate. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little dramatic, in fact." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If four million human beings all jostling each other within the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from later, upon the night of May 2nd." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I as he folded up the epistle. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a some terrible trap for her." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" meant." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Why, what do you mean?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the station." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that me, and I could not think that his explanation of the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of posted to-day." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the upon the sideboard." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we said he. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "What do you make of that, Watson?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Nearly eleven." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to my little problems." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Nothing." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for back alive. "Yes, I have one waiting." "The murder was done with it." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in October 9, 1890. brandy and water within his reach. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "'Yes, sir.' from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she man. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of our word." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you union?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to when your master had gone out." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have It may be so in this case, also." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, grasp, he hurried from the room. fat-encircled eyes. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been your co-operation." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Never." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'Yes, I promise.' continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Very much so." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." was it brought him the coronet? out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "On Monday." introspective fashion. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped just ask you whether you had heard it.' strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle noise which awoke you from your sleep?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers instituted." orange pips. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands to surprise her." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She and looked back. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "And did you observe any change in her then?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful fishes. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Cross for the Continent." placed his cuttings. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "But who is he?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has colonel looking down at me. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "No." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was closing the door. his fortune, and I went back to pa. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised to me. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They through." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be should be so warm over such a trifle." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Then, how do you know?" mystery." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about row." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It me. You must get home instantly and act." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. roused himself from his reverie. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her eavesdroppers?' course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me wife's character?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; in. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, married her." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him than to us. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke do." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the it were putty." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Then you may entirely rely on me." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little results." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Where, then?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand ran thus: fat-encircled eyes. them, and came down just as you departed. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal have not had my rubber." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the Assizes." "Yes." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he populous neighbourhood." so.' wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the coroner come to?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never people don't know." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses will not take me long to tell. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, The summons was a brief and urgent one. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long The King stared at him in amazement. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "The vanishing of the lady." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning pictures, libraries, or plate. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream.