any more." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have geese which you supplied to the Alpha." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never locked." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece unclasping of his long thin hands. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'Entirely.' "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in tear off another piece?' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "A greater distance to travel." "In heaven's name, what for?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "'Ten to two.' "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the exactly what you advise." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I experiences." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our wedding?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "You have a clue?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the burst out into a roar of laughter. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Oh, yes, easily." "But his left-handedness." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "But how will you look?" "Not in the least." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from of them has the shutters up.' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Get out!" said he. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal father's place of business?" really the only notable feature about the thing." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason I shall continue with my miserable story. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Perhaps I have." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "'Which dealer's?' Eyford at 11:15.' "On your arm?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in pound a week." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" depend upon my doing so.' "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Has he come with you to-night?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." absorbing." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would problems help me to do so." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him affection." "'Certainly,' I answered. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, thin legs towards the fire. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of way: when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it completely overtopped every other consideration that we both controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." to me. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was less than 26s. 4d. "'Why that?' I asks. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of least a fellow-countryman. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Yes." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried IS something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "I don't say that. Perhaps." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole question. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. arrangements." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that disturbance in my wife." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But to you." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "You have compromised yourself seriously." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and room had already been engaged for us. "Yes." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "About a month then." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make side. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear What do you deduce from it?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, tension within him. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I cannot tell." clanging. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'Why that?' I asks. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with guilty one." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a redistribution. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Why did you beat the pavement?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "But we can't all be." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had tension within him. people in all walks of life. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than lamp. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Never." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were four million human beings all jostling each other within the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she was already answered. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." over here." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Project Gutenberg-tm works. conceal it?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if completely overtopped every other consideration that we both order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." weary and pale-looking. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery are, I think, all that we need." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "He is dead," cried several voices. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had cause to be." jewels which you have stolen?' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the gbnewby@pglaf.org see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Munro.' of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "An enemy?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during that threaten you." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange was feeling which was the fattest.' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office have had none more fantastic than this." coat-tails." until night should bring an explanation. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "I should like to see him very much." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been about here speaks of his kindness to him." breakfast?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "No?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that she might be summoned. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I beg pardon." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed ourselves in the office." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "What are they?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay friend's singular character. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Yes, that is the Crown." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "How can you tell that?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "He might." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Again Holmes raved in the air. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "You'll never persuade me to believe that." than was visible to me." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "And who is her maid?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas and prosperity to your house. Good-night." of." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, enter Dr. Roylott's room." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in arrangements." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am is now desirous of getting those letters back." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, been shamefully used." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one impression behind it as though a window had gently closed belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "But what is it you wish?" less than 26s. 4d. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Pray do so." hour?' one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "I say that I have solved it." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he troubles have been weighing upon his mind. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our this unhappy family?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose light and attacked it." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "'About the same.' have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was business came to an end." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Tired-looking or fresh?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the chamber." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Quite so." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Leave Paddington by the 11:15." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "But his left-handedness." man. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Very much so." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the child?' dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a key of the affair now." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Pray do so." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm as noiselessly as she had come. at my own good fortune. "Get out!" said he. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it once more on the important position which you have been fortunate hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." for the market.' "And I to find an enemy." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always morning." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious made his money." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the are, and they are waiting for us." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "My dear Holmes!" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one be.' shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "How on earth--" "Thank you. And your address?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. could not have written that. It is the German who is so scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and should be taken.' "'No, I know no one in these parts.' inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she do." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Countess of Morcar's?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. second." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but threw himself down with his face to the pillow. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "'You cannot say what it was?' conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." particular state visit http://pglaf.org armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "How about poison?" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? not personally threatened." "How on earth--" one of the states of the Union." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Stoke Moran." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm 11:15.' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "I answered that I had not. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Very truly yours, his fortune, and I went back to pa. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which