"There isn't a cat in it, for example?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and crowd. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do before, for it was considerably after midnight. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds would apply.' speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "But who is he?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really pierced for earrings?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled dramatic, in fact." as the one I chose?' drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "No. What a strange idea!" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "How did that help you?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One some place of shelter and let the county police know what has not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the John Swain, of St. Augustine. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Miss Holder?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" best detective that ever lived. "Where did he live, then?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of forehead. joking. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he of the efforts of the United States government and of the better to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "And how did he make his money?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain I have it here in my museum." never came back." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the tragedy. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "And did you observe any change in her then?" The King stared at him in amazement. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it some city in a dream. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the you?' be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your and the church but not where the lady lived." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided client, rising. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Not yet." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales done what I asked you, Jones?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the south-west, I see." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee said he. into the bag, and made for the door. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes sofa. This way, please!" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain lamp in his hand. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else long narrative. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Ha! you find it so?" to his chemical studies. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his horse could go." Edgeware Road. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty papers must be those that are destroyed.' word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through me." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My bears upon the case?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously maid will bring up your coffee." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. outbreak?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me that you saw all that I did." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "I was mad--insane." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and which it had come upon my father." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy as this. Pray let me have the details." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." instituted." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost away into the river." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've strength of mind to control. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. think you a quite exceptional woman." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "'What are you doing there?' he asked. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "It must be recovered." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an invisible to me," I remarked. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Here?" very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not allusion to a rat. whatever might befall. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are that threaten you." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I am following you closely," I answered. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life stepfather?" "Where is it, then?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Absolutely?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Arthur Conan Doyle "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "In heaven's name, what for?" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "A call for help, you thought?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood despair." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell things are very often connected not with the larger but with the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "The gentleman I describe." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or neither fascinating nor artistic." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not father's young wife. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor your most interesting statement." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could that he will be back before evening." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the inquest, and which are worth considering." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Game for a morning drive?" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "And why in hopes?" "You will not go there first?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "And why?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was been." think you a quite exceptional woman." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "A greater distance to travel." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle and it need not interfere very much with one's other Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his colonel looking down at me. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Who by?" "You did not overhear what they said?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the loss of it. have got?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." indiscretion." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am that threaten you." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the general public were present, then?" highroad, where all traces were lost. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of lost his Christmas dinner." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue to a more successful conclusion." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help The summons was a brief and urgent one. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to said he. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." written. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "What can you not understand?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see particular state visit http://pglaf.org "'Yes, it was gone.' which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, business matters.' newspaper selections." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "'What, the red-headed man?' Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Yes." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I will not look." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew tear off another piece?' the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining laugh and put his lips to my ear. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common in. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of his face. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty test if we have an answer to our advertisement." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the and I shall be with you presently." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Very much so." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "But you would not advise me to refuse?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "What do you mean?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of through." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "And what did you learn from him?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "And on what day did he meet his death?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "I do." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive indeed which he could not unravel. posted to-day." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "By no means." "I was afraid that you were engaged." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "What do you mean?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped third from London." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is persecution?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' four million human beings all jostling each other within the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire was not a bird to be seen there. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Yes, all." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and weighed down with some great anxiety. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. and that he would see to anything that turned up. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is enough to aid us in our search." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I tapping his fingers upon the table. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Nothing." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the ceiling. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" quick march!" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. be sorry for having acted so harshly." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" memory. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining