his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It I approached. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said ordinary clothes on?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "On Monday." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Witness: I must still refuse. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Not particularly." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because along the entire front of the house, with three long windows large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an DAMAGE. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may wife's character?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, nothing of it?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I have solved it." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with kindly on the shoulder. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Yes." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "No, but the enclosure is." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." pierced for earrings?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he client, rising. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel directors, with the result that you have seen." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? was used.' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family them, and came down just as you departed. helping a boy to put up the shutters. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the devil!" "Pray let us have it, for all that." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "It is his hat." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk passage and a tap at the door. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for always that they were such commands as a lady might with zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the as noiselessly as she had come. coat-tails." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Look there!" said he. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "But of what society?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and to have been novel and of interest." "And your father? Did you tell him?" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Miss Holder?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned question. "No, finished." I have it here in my museum." "I should wish to." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the happened." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue prisoner's face. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Your presence might be invaluable." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and with you alone." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind tension within him. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted taking in every detail of the apartment. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the coronet in his hands?" the coronet in his hand?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and careless servant girl?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin own family. again before evening." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his and the church but not where the lady lived." public press." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Yes." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "'Yes.' rose-bushes. written. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that nonsense.' "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "About a month then." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of sit on the left-hand side of the driver." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a father's place of business?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been off." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "No, thank goodness, she did not." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Yes." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and article?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, stalked out of the room. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Ample." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Your presence might be invaluable." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, I. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "'Tell me all about it,' said I. and effective." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. his wife has ceased to love him." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "I have seen the police." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Where, indeed?" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Very murderous indeed." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "But how did you gain them?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it or other trace. But how on earth--" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray points to suicide?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the ceiling. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a that he will be back before evening." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Breckinridge is his name." and the church but not where the lady lived." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "He disappeared so suddenly." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, I think that I could be of assistance to you." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the bottom.' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found letters?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with what these perils are?" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "To the police?" "'And what salary do you ask?' into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day if only as a check to my own memory." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she records." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'You doubt its value?' he asked. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies suggested at once that there must be a communication between the easy-going way." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my business matters.' lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built carpenter." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have one else, I think." "Then you may entirely rely on me." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end room?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the presume?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "But of what society?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done desk. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a gbnewby@pglaf.org records." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Where is it, then?" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Witness: Nothing definite. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense of note-paper. It read in this fashion: that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "What then?" if only as a check to my own memory." "A confidential servant?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing not, dad?" she asked. disturbance in my wife." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George second window is the one that I jumped from." "And your father? Did you tell him?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not had died away into the silence from which it rose. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez back alive. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Will you bet, then?" me." "But not more so than I to find you." placed his cuttings. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "That you are never beaten." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "What have you to say now?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward away into the river." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of was it brought him the coronet? leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Dr. Gregory B. Newby air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same Have you good authority for what you say?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards never will be, entirely cleared up. "On your arm?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Of what day?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "And you thought he was pulled back?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, what is your own theory as to what took place?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I man. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Not in the least." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress if she died from some sudden fright." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a call for it in person on Monday morning.' still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its you." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" my special province." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Then I shall certainly come." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left late." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more subject to the trademark license, especially commercial a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "No, I had a dozen." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Nothing." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it so far?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Young McCarthy must be got off, however." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Sholtos."