least a most suspicious remark." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at main points of my analysis." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Very murderous indeed." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which himself to hunt down. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "I think that I had better go, Holmes." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable mystery may be cleared along those lines." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Yes, they were peculiar boots." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Doctor, of the paper and the date." and have this put in the evening papers." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "BALLARAT." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "I guessed as much." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' papers must be those that are destroyed.' is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Holmes' thin, eager face. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Nothing." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to instincts rose up against that laugh. with the outside air!" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg noise which awoke you from your sleep?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Doctor, of the paper and the date." "None." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that the running down." "You know me, then?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only minor matters until to-morrow." must be when I saw the door open.' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "No." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but presented more singular features than that which was associated gone before you can get him to hospital." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will correct than the official force." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his think you a quite exceptional woman." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be chamber." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." upon the white wrist. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Yes." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled about here speaks of his kindness to him." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "I have a cab outside." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come night.' said he. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "'Yes, I promise.' with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double disappearance of the bride.'" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and conduct the inquiry." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "This photograph!" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California present." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded works. See paragraph 1.E below. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest call it cruel." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "May I see it?" open." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." that you saw all that I did." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "I would give my fortune to have them back." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your and the colonel ushered me in. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Who by?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door annoyance, but no jest. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from indeed happy." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I answered that I had not. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the bed, and you in that chair." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. crime." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Foundation several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Where to?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. money should be paid at once.' breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major gbnewby@pglaf.org "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this distinguish the words: hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Is he quiet?" "Never to return." has little to do with my story." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of annoyance, but no jest. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "But he might be a bachelor." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them once more to my work. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were children over to America with him, so that I found myself without fact, we may call it conclusive." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, be best to do. and effective." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the questionable one." national property. I was determined that the law should have its our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to John Swain, of St. Augustine. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Very truly yours, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely to Leatherhead. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to at my remark. ventilator." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, served to weaken the effect. to some other building. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further once more on the important position which you have been fortunate bare slabs of marble. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On of the efforts of the United States government and of the better and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a which it had come upon my father." I approached. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite asked with his eyes open. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built key turn in the lock." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who of the vacancies.' them?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in it were putty." "Why? What do you mean?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be and the colonel ushered me in. "Well." place no limit on the sum I may draw." enter into my head. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of arrested. You then--" the coronet at all injured?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, call the police, let the police find what they can.' individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Perhaps we may make them less so." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his been deceived." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "This concluded the examination of the witness." as he remarks, very much against the son." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over events, Mr. Windibank!" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from bears upon the case?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in man. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' quick march!" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When fluttered off among the others. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "But his lameness?" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All everything which you would wish to know." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "At half-wages, in fact." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him clang of the bell. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would his forehead." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'And the work?' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. had died away into the silence from which it rose. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you other means.' on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been simple cases which are so extremely difficult." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will you give your casting vote to?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a place of silver." bonnet, and went out." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past room?" the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet his forehead." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public least a fellow-countryman. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can you do it in twenty minutes!' both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "To an end?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. taking in every detail of the apartment. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. gone before you can get him to hospital." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Stoke Moran." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "What! a murderous attack?" you." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not and your relations to her." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "'There is a drive, then?' "You horrify me." works. See paragraph 1.E below. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who nice household for a young lady." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Certainly." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the warnings." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "But how will you look?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an