of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was leave you to your papers for a little." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his green of the new foliage. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Certainly." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Was the window open?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of investigation." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were all that?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' always that they were such commands as a lady might with He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "That's no good." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted written. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I awkward doing business with an alias." business?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "You are all wrong." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope presented more singular features than that which was associated "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, soul! here is her carriage at the door." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but maid will bring up your coffee." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard over his head with a sweet womanly caress. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "At what time?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever cause to be." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who business." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "That you are never beaten." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of any little problem which you may submit to me." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "'Never,' said I. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair pressing in one house as in another. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from I am not easy in my mind about them." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. McCarthy's innocence. "Just look it up, then." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for very peculiar words of the dying woman?" indiscretion." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little indeed happy." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has to go into your room and bar your shutters?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were business." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, way in." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his is a common subject for conversation. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "But what harm can there be in that?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Tired-looking or fresh?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Witness: I must still refuse. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's despaired of." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut read over the extraordinary announcement. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Yes." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. writer." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in The events in question occurred in the early days of my "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Very much so." "He said too much." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from me upon any point which I do not make clear." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Was she in good spirits?" "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Yes, all." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that unprecedented a position." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon official police." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Oh, the cause is excellent!" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "I am armed." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees really the only notable feature about the thing." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." became a certainty. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly photograph a cabinet?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as likely to be some crony of the landlady's." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." was a lad." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were strode off upon his way. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Game for a morning drive?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Do you know him?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I cannot say that I have." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her mystery may be cleared along those lines." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at you." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious singular points about the case. What did the police think of the present." strode off upon his way. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and business." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. business at Coburg Square is serious." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which to talk it over. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass on re-entering her father's house?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "No, finished." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is This is what he says: about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "My Mary? Impossible!" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy brandy and water within his reach. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle union?" weary and pale-looking. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. as this. Pray let me have the details." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and have this put in the evening papers." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary back into the street. national property. I was determined that the law should have its having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "We must have a cab." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading bled considerably." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "In San Francisco, a year ago." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and corner of the building. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "The knees of his trousers." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "And why?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Yes, there are nearly always some there." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story presented which may be striking and bizarre without being huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. drove away. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely gbnewby@pglaf.org one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said telegram would bring me down to your help." DISSOLVED. "Where, indeed?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "What can it mean?" I gasped. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I there has been an enclosure here!" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers experiences." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "'As governess?' dead, shall be safe with us." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner what I may call a really hard day's work." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the key turn in the lock." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "No, but the enclosure is." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds in my life." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt minor matters until to-morrow." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the and the church but not where the lady lived." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Where is it, then?" "He disappeared so suddenly." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "That is possible." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "My dear Holmes!" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when floor. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I will not look." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." questionable one." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Eh? What was that?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of weigh very heavily upon my conscience." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in of his shoulders. "My photograph." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "And when will you call?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" rooms." should be taken.' posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of would apply.' strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, You want to know what became of those geese?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Where is it, then?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'Ample.' "Were they all fastened this morning?" "On the contrary, this is the right side." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations gbnewby@pglaf.org insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "It is half-past ten now." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Not him." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "In the cells." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed situation." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. http://www.gutenberg.net "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote go--none." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "What then?" business?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit bed dies. Does not that strike you?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would