abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Come in!" said he. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped from the brougham. in his hands." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, you." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" mysterious business." crackling voice. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my name is different." thirty. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite at a side door. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of conceal it?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had never came back." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "How are you getting on?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Pray do so." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not of his shoulders. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. visitors." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the that Pope's Court. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman be sorry for having acted so harshly." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own more solid." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "The Coroner: What do you mean? "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured guilty parties." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "What can you not understand?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on learned something! Where are the gems?" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my to tell." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to overpowering excitement and concern. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert upon a handsome competence. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I cup of tea. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a tell them apart.' was lame." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will to have that photograph." "Perfectly so." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "And Miss Sutherland?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "My dear Holmes!" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in perplexity from it to my illustrious client. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Of Friday, June 19th." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Her father is very rich?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Count Von Kramm." meanly of me." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts fish-monger and a tide-waiter." too. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, 'please.'" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "'Yes, it was gone.' black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Did you observe the colour?" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the she used." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "In what way?" asked Holmes. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Why, it's a dummy," said he. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the conduct the inquiry." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "That is possible." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" for securing the situation." sake, don't!" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I said I. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a long narrative. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to bird of prey. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of that he has suffered." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on sparkled upon his finger. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations him nearly every evening." him." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Her father is very rich?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I to miss it." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether bears upon the case?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "I don't believe it." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry nonsense.' room. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon the side-table." "Why? What do you mean?" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'I am sure if I had known--' "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "You horrify me!" rose-bushes. away into the river." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would is worth.' name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately You want to know what became of those geese?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Foundation Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. people in all walks of life. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works do.' Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes crime. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Clair, of Lee." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at you." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have sufficient punishment." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for fait accompli?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Stolen, then." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Pray tell us what has happened to you." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that into her hand at the door and which lured her within their see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are questionable one." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "And that is--" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which over part of the map. "What do you read?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "You did not overhear what they said?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Where, then, is my wife?" said he at last. him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Was he the only applicant?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "You horrify me." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a words came to my lips. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. him and tried to hold him back. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Foundation sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the like gravel from a pit.' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Of what day?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "What!" he roared. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in hour?' "And how in the world did you find them?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was not within a twentieth part of the market price." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "I am following you closely," I answered. ways of our fellow-men." next day. ran thus: quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly that before taking the final step I should like to submit the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in License. You must require such a user to return or o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked remarked. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "This concluded the examination of the witness." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I a little more before I quite committed myself. "Yesterday." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in spare." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "My own seal." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I relation between them, and what the object of his repeated to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "My dear Holmes!" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about me have 200 pounds?' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate room. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments your only hope of safety." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked visitors." my little problems." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, question. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "And Irene Adler?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." touch that coronet?' the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass of the way of danger. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "You saw the ventilator, too?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great leaning back in his chair. "You are hungry," I remarked. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I that you can jump it.' eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide desk. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "That is unusual in a young girl." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." bird I ate is country bred." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "And how did you find out?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we morning." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No is four-and-twenty." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "You forget that I know nothing about it." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I am following you closely," I answered. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "There is the writing." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass interests were the same as his." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "She will not sell." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "I shall most certainly do so." was not a bird to be seen there.