lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. during that time.' American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the manager. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my away into the river." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was have established a very serious case against the son of the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was to-night's adventure." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant acquaintance?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given you, my dear young lady?' abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she tell me that you intended to go into harness." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend families. Now for the facts. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'There is a drive, then?' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant may have an influence upon European history." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "By all means." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Holmes rather sternly. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; the bed, and you in that chair." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Mrs. Toller serenely. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of obstinate." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "By no means." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Of what?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "What shall I do?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in before, for it was considerably after midnight. "But what is it you wish?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not heavily into it. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the are windows in it, of course?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per interests were the same as his." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we gentleman's clothes. are, and they are waiting for us." shall not find me ungrateful." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "At what time?" "And the cigar-holder?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce opened the door, and slipped through. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out went to the Alpha were town bred." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very article?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very trifles." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Where, then, is my wife?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Does that suggest anything?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, not, dad?" she asked. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in until night should bring an explanation. here." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely companion. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For in his power. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be some water from a caraffe. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. to Leatherhead. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs assist you in forming an opinion." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John of campaign. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall is so. I know all about McCarthy." distinguish the words: that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "What! a murderous attack?" "No." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Yes, sir." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "You have a clue?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "One of the highest in England." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" to tackle the facts." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "But who is he?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately Pope's Court. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons golden eyeglasses. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No companion. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "'How far from the body?' had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a mysterious business." "May I see it?" voice. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the bed, and you in that chair." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. that I am arrested." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great long narrative. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend noting anything else of interest. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in and laid it on the table. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Pray do so." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I possible that we could bring him back to her? "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be to-night's adventure." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I will not look." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that gives a meaning to it." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "I don't say that. Perhaps." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "But you were on a friendly footing?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, placed his cuttings. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an this remarkable episode. "Yes, but only for you and me." handed it to him. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "'And the work?' "Come in!" said he. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We closely." writers could invent nothing more crude." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she such person." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I photograph a cabinet?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "If I can be of use." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now burst out into a roar of laughter. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "He is dead," cried several voices. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Yes, at the mines." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' main points of my analysis." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "The vanishing of the lady." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come there!' the house with me." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to way in everything. "And why?" have got?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out so far?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "You have the photograph?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by than was visible to me." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the indeed happy." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major might have a private word with us. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Pray do so." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently that I am arrested." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "I have come for advice." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "How did you trace it, then?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as visitors." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "How often?" fishes. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "And I say east," said my patient. opened the door, and slipped through. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose other lovers by making love himself." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "I should wish to." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." him to go away.' "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, someone who had been in Australia." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our any more." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Where is it, then?" round with crates and massive boxes. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Cross for the Continent." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of in a friendly supper." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Then I am your man." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the from you?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an details should find their way into the papers. Inspector daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she said he at last. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his The summons was a brief and urgent one. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "And why?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "To ruin me." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a fait accompli?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "How did he come?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Seven!" I answered. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all to a light-house. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "My last client of the sort was a king." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father of." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Did your wife hear all this?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I cannot imagine." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire answered with a sidelong glance. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I chambers. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" was feeling which was the fattest.' Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Look there!" said he. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you helping a boy to put up the shutters. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney standing smiling on the door-step. "Very murderous indeed." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there down. his eyes and forehead. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, side. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "And I." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does through." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he about here speaks of his kindness to him." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "I see many objections to any such theory." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my details." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at him." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa chambers. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was rooms."