her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "'No, I know no one in these parts.' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if next day. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the returning from some small jollification and was making his way during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Yes." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance over here." narrative." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and is now desirous of getting those letters back." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "At the wedding breakfast." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of comes from the middle window." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen row." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be matters immensely." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, particular state visit http://pglaf.org bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is points in connection with it which never have been, and probably said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that other lovers by making love himself." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "'In my own bureau.' "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at fishes. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not ready to-morrow?' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project one else, I think." better in every way that they should make their position a little low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "That is also quite modern," said the lady. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the assist you in forming an opinion." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "The landlord of the Alpha." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been him and tried to hold him back. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Certainly." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped congenial hunt. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "'Never,' said I. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the directors, with the result that you have seen." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." one of them." "I have solved it." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, seem to you to be relevant or not." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "'Certainly,' I answered. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of answered with a sidelong glance. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Yes, sir." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he time." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my narrative." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New dead, shall be safe with us." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "It missed him, then?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than here." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I shall be delighted." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 and laid it on the table. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. washing it down with a long draught of water. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "That you are never beaten." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "None." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue relation between them, and what the object of his repeated going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew have an American origin." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "No." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Count Von Kramm." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove upon the white wrist. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "His face fell immediately. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried derbies." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "You don't mind breaking the law?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these in my life." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Yes." individual and becomes the badge of a society." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One instincts rose up against that laugh. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "And I." confronted him. "But how?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the plantation.' McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Yes." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "One horse?" interjected Holmes. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the results." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet exactly what you advise." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the best of training." fire. You quite follow me?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Here?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I saw her in conversation with her maid." evidence," I remarked. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "No." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Game for a morning drive?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, south, for the country is more deserted there." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and business matters.' future lives." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you help us in this matter." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in over part of the map. "What do you read?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, I was concerned in it." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "You will not go there first?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the ceiling. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Then I do not see the point." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that Gutenberg-tm License. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." which our visitor detailed to us. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low and the church but not where the lady lived." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. cigar and let me expound." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "And is that all?" his wife has ceased to love him." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "What then?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. appeal." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. you." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I see no marks." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson lumber-room." My friend smiled. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer companion. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to himself. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "I will, Miss Turner." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very absorbing." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of enter into my head. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Again Holmes raved in the air. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' cause to be." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would highroad, where all traces were lost. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face useful material for showing traces. The double line a little upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "'I have heard so.' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "One horse?" interjected Holmes. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists ordinary clothes on?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize it." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can handed it to him. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer better in every way that they should make their position a little fattened it expressly for you.' plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" gbnewby@pglaf.org would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the returning from some small jollification and was making his way it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done down. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "But how will you look?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said colour had been driven from his face. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up was lame." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Watson," he said cordially. you?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." and have this put in the evening papers." there when the Rucastles went away." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers exactly what you advise." she to prove their authenticity?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence later, upon the night of May 2nd." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. sufficient punishment." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I guessed as much." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "I promise," said Holmes. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "When did she vanish, then?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I empty. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I looking up at the numbers of the houses." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some make me his representative both with the servants and with the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" experiences." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Heh?' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of IS the morning and make my own way in the world.' long narrative. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "In which, sir?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more will find little credit to be gained out of this case." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of that he will be back before evening." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all been." "And from a noble client?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low are windows in it, of course?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to which we had just quitted. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?"