heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any coroner's jury." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Yes." relief. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Which surely he restored to their owner?" morning." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so if she died from some sudden fright." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear perplexity from it to my illustrious client. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me as yours." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. orange pips. "Where did he live, then?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Where, then, is my wife?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else if I call to-morrow?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Precisely." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "And is that all?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. himself to hunt down. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "No good news?" thin legs towards the fire. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "My dear Holmes!" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in really the only notable feature about the thing." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Pope's Court. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must means taking possession of that which another person has a prior servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an before, for it was considerably after midnight. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I and glanced through. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without interested in these little problems, and since you are good already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I know where it is." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "To an end?" "One of the highest in England." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker with the outside air!" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else have an American origin." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and towards the blaze. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with again." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "You are all wrong." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." of it with the greatest attention. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my digesting their breakfasts at home." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Of what day?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature strength." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself 'please.'" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Do you know him?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "May I see it?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Nor running a chance of arrest?" that there was nothing in it, after all." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "'You doubt its value?' he asked. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness should be so warm over such a trifle." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some this man was intellectual?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had guilty parties." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a upon an income of about 60 pounds." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Then the page we have seen--" someone who had been in Australia." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a or in danger--" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my again, where I was soon asleep. "You were travelling in the States?" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't to a light-house. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway asked. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an excitement. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "I answered that I had not. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the said I. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Quite so. She has her freedom." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "You saw the ventilator, too?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning photograph?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Holmes rather sternly. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was sit on the left-hand side of the driver." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "I cannot imagine." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" from the brougham. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than you came in." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey case-book, which he consulted. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Of what?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide we went to search for him, face downward in a little course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she waste of energy." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door considering the formidable letters which were received by himself manager. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of enter into my head. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Where, indeed?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. not within a twentieth part of the market price." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Pope's Court. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Surrey." guilty one." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, have established a very serious case against the son of the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "So I heard. You have him here?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your with the outside air!" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and completely overtopped every other consideration that we both about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric crowd. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the you?" "Nothing." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce http://gutenberg.net/license). left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few My friend smiled. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest asked. "That was it, sir." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "At half-wages, in fact." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we shadow pass over his face as I spoke. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "And from a noble client?" together. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I say that I have solved it." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. my little problems." horse could go." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I chair. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Eyford." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the becomes even more simple." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." ready to-morrow?' showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Has he come with you to-night?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an fire. You quite follow me?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this goes." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his his wife has ceased to love him." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away province." mystery!" had died away into the silence from which it rose. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "May I see it?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." not come at once?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from whereabouts. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. I held the little printed slip to the light. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is miles off. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very all-comprehensive glances. held up the lantern and gazed about him. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your side. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with towards the blaze. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and I shall continue with my miserable story. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the coronet in his hand?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "But you would not advise me to refuse?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." head. So long, then!" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "'Most admirably.' twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, o'clock is it?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. assist you in forming an opinion." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which all-comprehensive glances. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which voice, changing her seat as requested. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the fattened it expressly for you.' borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; a very grave face. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Ten will be early enough." I am not easy in my mind about them." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until is worth.' "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "They are typewritten," I remarked. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen assist you in forming an opinion." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he not fit the lock." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Do you go out much in society?" "We were both in the photograph." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had only touch the interest." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into strong reason behind." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should I nodded again. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting congenial hunt. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "No." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are cup of tea. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Always." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged