long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if of your young ladies.' "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I for its centre. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for think that he is innocent?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms invisible to me," I remarked. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Then what has happened to him?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Cross for the Continent." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said one's self under obligations.' recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows my special province." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do have an American origin." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Where, indeed?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the driver. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'What do you call purely nominal?' given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that lost nothing by them." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience redistribution. "And how did you find out?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, hurried by. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "You are hungry," I remarked. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Pool. lamp in his hand. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." again before evening." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Miss Holder?" "Not him." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Two days later this same performance was gone through under sofa. This way, please!" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and For additional contact information: remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, them?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock lost nothing by them." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and murdered man." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should could go. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Yes." "I am armed." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or friend's singular character. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. directors, with the result that you have seen." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the his face. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "I cannot imagine." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to companion imperturbably. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this to have that photograph." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me him!" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I floor. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would there was no need for father to know." "Yes, all." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in detained." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "By no means." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now carriage. It was a chestnut." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "To the police?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "If I can be of use." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the fattened it expressly for you.' "And how did he make his money?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "'Never.' you." "Why serious?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes these bleak autumnal evenings." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you sooner or later she must fall a victim. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw with some details as to your case." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Pool. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in row." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Arthur Conan Doyle mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but bed dies. Does not that strike you?" drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to your most interesting statement." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the so-precious time, but come!' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Holmes' room. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave his wife has ceased to love him." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "I know where it is." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." evidence," I remarked. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with and effective." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better directors have had misgivings upon the subject." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Just look it up, then." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious maiden herself was most instructive." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the a room. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Why, it's a dummy," said he. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I new acquaintance to Baker Street. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." man. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of narrative." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Holmes." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Certainly." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Yes, but only for you and me." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before *** START: FULL LICENSE *** squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the salesman. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been The King stared at him in amazement. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his My friend smiled. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. at my remark. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow province." pound a week." know what is wrong with it.' occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I say that I have solved it." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what Surrey." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry passage and a tap at the door. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Precisely." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the loss of it. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I will try. What is it?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a His smile broadened. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I cannot imagine." "Imitated." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his I shall communicate with you." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. not, dad?" she asked. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "There is the writing." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "So I heard. You have him here?" "'Ample.' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "I am armed." crime. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'Which dealer's?' We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and no precautions can guard against." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country you found me to-night--and running through the front room she possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross gives a meaning to it." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is words came to my lips. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the tragedy. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Nearly eleven." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your have I gained?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a lids now and glanced across at his visitor. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a words came to my lips. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope had this final quarrel? police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of prison!" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the other, as fresh and trim as possible. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "'Tell me all about it,' said I. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "The vanishing of the lady." salesman. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, cup of tea. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before said I. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those away to you." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "I was afraid that you were engaged." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when The events in question occurred in the early days of my "And you don't know his address?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and directly by questioning you." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a But Holmes shook his head gravely. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I any." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. brandy and water within his reach. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Awake, Watson?" he asked. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to instituted." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned His name is Francis Prosper." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Yesterday." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Thank you. Pray proceed." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after