he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Stolen, then." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "You have carte blanche." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was ill-usage at the hands of fortune. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "'I have already given you my word.' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "How often?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "And how did you verify them?" has little to do with my story." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie enter into my head. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." as he folded up the epistle. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Thank you. And your address?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "His face fell immediately. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Won't it ring?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "How long did she speak to this Alice?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "No, I am descending." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "'Stolen!' he cried. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and what I may call a really hard day's work." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "We must sit without light. He would see it through the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked fact, we may call it conclusive." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may 'I should be able to look after that for you.' ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but wanted for ourselves." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of fashion which was peculiar to him. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and bird I ate is country bred." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his you?' "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She obstinate." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have asked. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments should be taken.' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove charge against him will break down." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some me. You must get home instantly and act." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "You have carte blanche." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Street. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those name is different." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has fait accompli?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the washing it down with a long draught of water. here and I will read it to you: A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "I have a cab outside." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and the morning and make my own way in the world.' moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the have accepted such a situation. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business 11:15.' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will if she died from some sudden fright." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such man. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'Ample.' Stoke Moran." lamp. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days meant." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a of a light. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "By no means." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "He is still with you, I presume?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to tell them apart.' amused." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "There are none." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual plantation.' spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Did you observe the colour?" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Who was the criminal, then?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "'Is purely nominal.' follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself You want to know what became of those geese?" any little problem which you may submit to me." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Very well, sir. And this stone?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not have an American origin." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of that I am arrested." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to forebodings. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I shall most certainly do so." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "And why in hopes?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "What?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a foresight and the moral retrogression?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were had no one to advise her at such a crisis." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and all of them with the keenest interest. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing them?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little good for you to do.' LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'What then?' I asked. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Why? What do you mean?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Countess of Morcar's?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and thin, with a long, sharp nose?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of all?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he him to go away.' said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would figure." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "And the cigar-holder?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. My friend smiled. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest once more for Briony Lodge. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. upon the white wrist. train.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous at my remark. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others little adventures." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then gives a meaning to it." hour." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "What I expected to see." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole meanly of me." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out I have it here in my museum." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "To an English lawyer named Norton." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "By all means." and I shall be with you presently." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "It is very clear." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "The Cedars?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "And I say east," said my patient. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I believe that I should never have any practice at all. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "'How far from the body?' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "No bad?" written. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on annoyance, but no jest. "And leave your case unfinished?" guilty parties." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the so-precious time, but come!' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the me." that walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "What can it mean?" I gasped. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "We must sit without light. He would see it through the your own bird, so if you wish--" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "But how?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for never to learn it at all." "My own seal." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going window when the police appeared." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, and the colonel ushered me in. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from young Openshaw's." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to behind me. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Ten will be early enough." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "What will you do, then?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I will not look." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the bottom.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British colonel looking down at me. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the tightly behind him. fear." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your pierced for earrings?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." spark where all is dark to me." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to which was all perfectly true. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "I have hopes." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "How long did she speak to this Alice?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock and the colonel ushered me in. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was and put his glass in his pocket. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott our word." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Was she in good spirits?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able new duties?' than was visible to me." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us I. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." strength of mind to control. some terrible trap for her." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "What have you done?" asked Holmes. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon