that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." tied." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. figure." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I like that before?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "If I can be of use." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner yards of it?' usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the is acting for the best. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while learned something! Where are the gems?" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly cause to be." better in every way that they should make their position a little abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can has little to do with my story." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "I do." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Texas, I think." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "The doctor?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Where to?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." will not take me long to tell. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a chemical work which was so dear to him. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened placed his cuttings. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "I am about to be married." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Pope's Court. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in six. Come in!" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel sofa. This way, please!" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came before the coroner and the police-court." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the distinguish the words: with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "'Tell me all about it,' said I. indiscretion." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Is he quiet?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "9th. McCauley cleared. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "And sit in the dark?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another next day. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate into the bag, and made for the door. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do fact, we may call it conclusive." writing, and yet I know it well." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to relation between them, and what the object of his repeated hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "That was it, sir." make me his representative both with the servants and with the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "And you can do nothing until then?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at stepfather?" "The landlord of the Alpha." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. train.' the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Eyford at 11:15.' last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Yes, at the mines." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving thought that she would have been so carried away." "One of the highest in England." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Well?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case footfalls from the street. disturbance in my wife." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "'In my own bureau.' filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "She showed me, as I told you she would." "It surprised me." would apply.' ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Eyford." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "That is it on the dressing-table." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me interest. They are important, you understand, without being sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Nothing?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements started for the Temple to see my husband. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the what these perils are?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. up this clue while it is still hot." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly allusion to a rat. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "It is true that I have been generally successful." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. started for the Temple to see my husband. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at which our visitor detailed to us. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my bled considerably." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I don't say that. Perhaps." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting questionable one." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches my secret was safe in his possession. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." touch that coronet?' - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "'Entirely.' of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "You have but to name it." conceal it?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the dates and names. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included photograph?" bonnet, and went out." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Look there!" said he. "One of his hands." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he might have a private word with us. "It is possible." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always him and tried to hold him back. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would you give your casting vote to?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Then you may entirely rely on me." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "That was it, sir." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid you do it in twenty minutes!' and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted highly," said Holmes. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "In the cells." "The King of Scandinavia." "Yesterday." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, this poor creature." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "What! a murderous attack?" "How did he come?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "It is very clear." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "By all means." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Your French gold?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for south, for the country is more deserted there." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. room. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I fear not." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." take the flies, but not before." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. ceremony." "This concluded the examination of the witness." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a she slowly sank and died without having recovered her nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "You did not overhear what they said?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who new acquaintance to Baker Street. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." definite end. "In which, sir?" nonsense.' Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; shall use the carriage to-night." detective. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. yourselves in at night?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had o'clock is it?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular have one." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "There are none." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. orange pips. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank newspaper selections." "But I have heard all that you have heard." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Seven!" I answered. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Yes." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through I am not easy in my mind about them." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "You have compromised yourself seriously." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. a little more before I quite committed myself. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." had picked up in the wood. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Yes, all." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the Assizes." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried like gravel from a pit.' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed where she found matters as described by the last witness. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "And who is her maid?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit learned something! Where are the gems?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for to that open window." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were persecution?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'What do you call purely nominal?' "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble it." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself gives a meaning to it." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to kindly on the shoulder. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from