I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, shoulder. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near matter." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "No?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" "One?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Certainly, madam." me." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in acted in my house last night?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Where to?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes during which he might have communicated with his friend the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Then you may entirely rely on me." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no best detective that ever lived. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that one which it was hard to resist. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Arthur Conan Doyle he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, in the port of London." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Perhaps I have." "Have you her photograph?" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "The rest you will leave in our hands." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" province." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "And how?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, call it cruel." dead, shall be safe with us." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his matter over." know that the truth is known." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just people in all walks of life. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See it. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not good-night and bustled off upon her way. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose own family. be sorry for having acted so harshly." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I row." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been mysterious end." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how child?' "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the nothing of it?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Why? What do you mean?" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "You are hungry," I remarked. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment three of the beryls in it, was missing. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would cup of tea. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew answer." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been been deceived." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose awaited us upon the table. opportunities to fix the problem. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over into her hand at the door and which lured her within their of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "But how?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Your French gold?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the arrested. You then--" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical redistribution. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't habit of advancing money.' hair?' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Game for a morning drive?" Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through seem to you to be relevant or not." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Of what?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what and it need not interfere very much with one's other Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows when you have done it." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "I answered that I had not. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I have come for advice." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set investigation." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly until night should bring an explanation. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do to affect your life." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the window, rose as we entered. to have that photograph." never came back." "How about poison?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for grasp, he hurried from the room. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "At half-wages, in fact." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying humiliation." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical kindly on the shoulder. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your ways including including checks, online payments and credit card with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of John Swain, of St. Augustine. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." it were putty." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is of." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, these bleak autumnal evenings." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I a good hundred miles off by now." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "'Quite sure, dad.' thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign of Mr. Rucastle's." washing it down with a long draught of water. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, breakfast?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George that I can to serve you." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "It is no ordinary one." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while if only as a check to my own memory." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "We must have a cab." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way bedroom door." "And when will you call?" in a friendly supper." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Nothing?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up later, upon the night of May 2nd." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to acted in my house last night?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was imbecility!" he cried. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can was a lad." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "'Where could I find him?' and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. hereditary King of Bohemia." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO your sleep?' isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an orange pips. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of should be taken.' money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Never." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "You don't mind breaking the law?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "The decline of his fortunes, then?" official police." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "No, my brougham is waiting." other means.' an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking legal crime." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." crackling voice. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind strong and stiff." galvanised. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Just look it up, then." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Did you observe the colour?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay records." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him for and were ordered to this address. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "I am sure." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your discontent upon his features. "Witness: I must still refuse. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "You heard nothing yourself last night?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with in the port of London." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "'Yes, sir.' it." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply pity, because in other respects you would really have done very As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "No, my brougham is waiting." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of me upon any point which I do not make clear." article?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "'Then let me do so?' dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Yes, certainly." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Stoke Moran." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Well." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the that he has suffered." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Then you may entirely rely on me." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the mysterious business." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel conclusions. plantation.' "No bad?" "Your sister is dead, then?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon for its centre. do." seen the man in the road." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "And why?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I with some details as to your case." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted late!' 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers."