"Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was tied." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose which our visitor detailed to us. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the bed, and you in that chair." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his was not a bird to be seen there. "It is possible." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at to tackle the facts." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof the loss of it. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came strong and stiff." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, strength in the others." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small was a perfect sample of the class. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my have I gained?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to and put his glass in his pocket. or other trace. But how on earth--" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated this poor creature." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" matter over." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" became a certainty. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since you in yours." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out during the last few years, and there are many noble families to chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of enter Dr. Roylott's room." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Which surely he restored to their owner?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' yards of it?' dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his know that the truth is known." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He you." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "I was afraid that you were engaged." allusion to a rat. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "My dear Holmes!" of receipt of the work. will not take me long to tell. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. should be so warm over such a trifle." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which the tragedy. affection." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, mystery!" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My which we had just quitted. any little problem which you may submit to me." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Yes, they were peculiar boots." touch that coronet?' bearing upon the case." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, some city in a dream. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "A client, then?" any little problem which you may submit to me." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Cross for the Continent." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "How did he come?" congenial hunt. do." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a and all of them with the keenest interest. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of second window is the one that I jumped from." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "He said too much." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have had picked up in the wood. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" once more for Briony Lodge. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "An accident, I presume?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." some water from a caraffe. on in his house." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily when your master had gone out." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, you." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The started for the Temple to see my husband. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "No bad?" stalked out of the room. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated hardly wander." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "By no means." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." on in his house." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "A call for help, you thought?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "What do you make of that, Watson?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "An accident, I presume?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be any more." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Pool. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man of receipt of the work. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a go--none." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of way: Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and notes," he said. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the one as in the other." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "What, then, did Peterson do?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to placed his cuttings. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord point in the dark hollow of his hand. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort shaken than I had ever seen him. again before evening." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our spark where all is dark to me." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of memory. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. one which it was hard to resist. man. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is acquaintance?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the that I may have something better before very many minutes are think you a quite exceptional woman." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from congratulate you again." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'Is purely nominal.' to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "And how did he make his money?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was against a man in the prime of life?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" from the brougham. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of people don't know." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her from the brougham. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I my former friend and companion. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Then I am your man." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between giving me time to thank him. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he people don't know." For additional contact information: Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but easy-going way." round with crates and massive boxes. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "You think so, too?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt together. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. giving me time to thank him. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." call the police, let the police find what they can.' trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the locked. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Holmes. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "'Never,' said I. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have writers could invent nothing more crude." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method my secret was safe in his possession. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and man. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has enter Dr. Roylott's room." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an straightened it out again. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while my room." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Then I can wait in the next room." observed. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his himself. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Certainly, madam." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which His smile broadened. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. disappearance of these gems?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" asked. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right sufficient punishment." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "And that is--" "I have hopes." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." if only as a check to my own memory." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for in the hope of finding them." "Yes." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing wedding?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "'I shall certainly be there.' tied." "I cannot think." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "I never have." followed. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "And your mother is alive?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Surrey." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. to change my dress. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have to tell." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "So it appears." "I will, Miss Turner." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "ARAT," I read. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "An accident, I presume?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the night.' of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day