bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the carried out of court." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own he bowed and left the room without another word. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the in a friendly supper." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Where, then?" Literary Archive Foundation "No, I think that I'll take it." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it call it cruel." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. might help us?" third from London." fact, we may call it conclusive." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San made him keep the appointment." "Then I do not see the point." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton south, for the country is more deserted there." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of you." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a nonsense.' which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "No sign of it?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business all?" is four-and-twenty." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in in the port of London." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "And I." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into I shall communicate with you." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your house for five minutes.' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." letters?" closely." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "There is the writing." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too throat." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "On the contrary, this is the right side." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." to-night?' charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the questioning and rather startled gaze. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several advice." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the writers could invent nothing more crude." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the straightened it out again. "'Oh, no.' of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Quite so. She has her freedom." "'What do you call purely nominal?' inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Here?" weapon." thirty. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless your co-operation." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after said Mr. Holder. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it everything which you would wish to know." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change upon the shelf for the interim." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "And it is--" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a leaning back in his chair. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man mystery may be cleared along those lines." "What do you mean?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the instituted." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Henry Baker is a member." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is written. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question said Mr. Holder. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." read over the extraordinary announcement. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." better in every way that they should make their position a little closely." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "You have compromised yourself seriously." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His that, and I came down." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled becomes even more simple." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "It must be recovered." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Where did you address your letters, then?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again I nodded to show that I had heard. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the little opening for the ventilator is." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "At half-wages, in fact." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, a suggestive one." "In the cells." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "No sign of it?" Heh?' was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a your own bird, so if you wish--" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon some city in a dream. in this way: all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the at my own good fortune. but preventing her from injuring another. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE down in his armchair and closing his eyes. have one." hurried away. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "And did you observe any change in her then?" a good hundred miles off by now." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is existence." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Pray let us have it, for all that." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "But what harm can there be in that?" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has a suggestive one." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an becomes even more simple." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was trifles." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid frequently gained my first real insight into the character of before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his right! Sit down and let us talk it over." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Very much so." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I chambers. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away bill, which interests me deeply." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" that I can to serve you." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now them?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "No. What a strange idea!" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry place of silver." the best of training." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from became a certainty. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic never came back." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some least a most suspicious remark." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I cannot imagine." "Then the page we have seen--" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria is," said he presently: must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. there was no need for father to know." congratulate you again." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. such attractions and accomplishments?' springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "No, finished." village inn over there?" mystery." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found in his power. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "It is very kind of you." business." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Where, then, is my wife?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. there has been an enclosure here!" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to lumber-room." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "You don't mind breaking the law?" away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was question. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Well?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower prisoner's face. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm our word." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, instincts rose up against that laugh. "Yes, it would be as well." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the you in your example." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "'What would be the hours?' I asked. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Not social, then?" populous neighbourhood." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. something of him before." it. "No bad?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." hardly wander." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. south, for the country is more deserted there." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug strong reason behind." his huge brown hands. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon should be so warm over such a trifle." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "'Yes, it was gone.' key turn in the lock." take the flies, but not before." tension within him. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Yes." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Will you go?" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Were they all fastened this morning?" long narrative. "In what way?" asked Holmes. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought will be renamed. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "It's nothing of the kind." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the companion quietly. would apply.' "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Precisely." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, noting anything else of interest. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "That sounds a little paradoxical." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Sutherland?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "I cannot think." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people people don't know." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "I say that I have solved it." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, four million human beings all jostling each other within the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the friend's singular character. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the