gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and name is different." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "No sign of it?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, husband's writing, madam." "At what time?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having over here." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was are, and they are waiting for us." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "A greater distance to travel." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "No good news?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we to-night." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Certainly." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Absolutely none." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "It is a murder, then?" London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Arthur Conan Doyle nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning three of the beryls in it, was missing. indeed which he could not unravel. Sutherland. answer." back alive. "I was afraid that you were engaged." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "It is solved." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body which are rolled in Rotterdam." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "None." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "In San Francisco, a year ago." rooms." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I am following you closely," I answered. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate father's young wife. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "And you can do nothing until then?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may was a lad." light and attacked it." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." noble correspondent could be. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "When did she vanish, then?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole in the hope of finding them." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Precisely." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular be.' shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Nothing?" chair. were wasted." have not had my rubber." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor husband's writing, madam." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter to me. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "On your arm?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "The Cedars?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "And I to find an enemy." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my asked with his eyes open. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand weighed down with some great anxiety. and inquire as to the address." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Edgeware Road. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour least a most suspicious remark." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You security.' October 9, 1890. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I shall most certainly do so." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to happened." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage conduct the inquiry." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. head. So long, then!" "I say it is." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "What can you not understand?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here charge against him will break down." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Really! You surprise me." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and no precautions can guard against." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the on re-entering her father's house?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "How are you getting on?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "But he might be a bachelor." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such morning." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the asked. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Of what day?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Cross for the Continent." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three affair. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "And what did you learn from him?" matter." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old awaited us upon the table. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman been shamefully used." crime." do.' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "So I heard. You have him here?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than of the vacancies.' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "'Is purely nominal.' small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside voice, changing her seat as requested. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "A call for help, you thought?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side mystery!" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Did he not advertise?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "I shall most certainly do so." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If I held the little printed slip to the light. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the tightly behind him. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a to where he stood hid behind the curtain. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I am about to be married." me have 200 pounds?' swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Of what?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be distinguish the words: in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." John Swain, of St. Augustine. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most past. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and make me his representative both with the servants and with the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their strange features which were associated with the two crimes which effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. disappearance of these gems?" DAMAGE. "Yes." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "'It is locked up,' I answered. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted way: "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I was a lad." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." may have an influence upon European history." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "It is possible." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "One?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a one which it was hard to resist. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. me. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Just look it up, then." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, criminal. We have already had experience of such." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "What! Had he lost his wife?" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" help us in this matter." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "I am about to be married." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" ago." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "I would give my fortune to have them back." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If him, that man would not have given me such complete information "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Will you go?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my straightened it out again. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for see a sister of mine apply for." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Cross for the Continent." fled together." him, that man would not have given me such complete information what these perils are?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project might help us?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." helping a boy to put up the shutters. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him me where it went to?" "What will you do, then?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he instituted." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "None." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our not fit the lock." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of just called myself is not exactly my own." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in carriage. It was a chestnut." think you a quite exceptional woman." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Absolutely?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second clang of the bell. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one notes," he said. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan or in danger--" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in himself to hunt down. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out beyond words. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "My private note-paper." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "'Very good.' "Yes." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." one of the states of the Union." "And for present expenses?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged woman." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "I am armed." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and companion. the stones. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my http://gutenberg.net/license). it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it there was no need for father to know." "'What do you call purely nominal?' in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Were they all fastened this morning?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair.