fatally injured? the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "No legal papers or certificates?" fire. You quite follow me?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see have had none more fantastic than this." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I attention." "Get out!" said he. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all said he at last. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the of Fenchurch Street." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have there has been an enclosure here!" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The washing it down with a long draught of water. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of to his chemical studies. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less it." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. which it had come upon my father." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had companion. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he death." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly with her." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in redistribution. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Not social, then?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Which are?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six him to be an active member of the medical profession." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were fact, we may call it conclusive." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon tell me that you intended to go into harness." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he it were putty." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take light and attacked it." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Eh? What was that?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "You are hungry," I remarked. room had already been engaged for us. trying to your nerves." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Holmes' room. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you along the entire front of the house, with three long windows taking in every detail of the apartment. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "I am still in the dark." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her people in all walks of life. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "You saw the ventilator, too?" empty. obstinate." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Yes." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I am to be neutral?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Does that suggest anything?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of him. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with pity, because in other respects you would really have done very increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "And for present expenses?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" beyond words. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project went to the Alpha were town bred." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the side-table." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather drawing your inferences." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither conduct the inquiry." man. I know him from the photograph." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "You horrify me!" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project the running down." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible power." hour." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Arthur Conan Doyle constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "It missed him, then?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "What is it, then--a fire?" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you felt the room to be a little close.' get the tickets." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Holmes. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is photograph?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man said I. keep the flames under. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought excitement. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Then the page we have seen--" formed some opinion?" your only hope of safety." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. less than 26s. 4d. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you during that time.' that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to night.' said he. sofa. This way, please!" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "You know me, then?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "'Ample.' "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. coroner's jury." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "But I have heard all that you have heard." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "'Most admirably.' 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a know all about it," he snarled. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. in darkness. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Murdered?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they in. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'Very good.' While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall suspect him." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Who was the criminal, then?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Pope's Court. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have him to be an active member of the medical profession." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" will not take me long to tell. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see you came in." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the quickly through a disagreeable task. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. intrusion of other matters." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "But I am all in the dark." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we writer." "On Monday." ready to-morrow?' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate here." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got any more." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "What, then?" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "You think that he is dead?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "In answer to an advertisement." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of papers must be those that are destroyed.' scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. His name is Francis Prosper." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "It is a murder, then?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting so far?" bonnet, and went out." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man I shall continue with my miserable story. and laid it on the table. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel with you?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Really! You surprise me." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which despair." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "You have a clue?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "And I." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter away into the river." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Did you observe the colour?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper I shall communicate with you." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, ashen face. a monotonous occupation." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured closely." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is have had none more fantastic than this." "No, my brougham is waiting." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question unprecedented a position." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." will not take me long to tell. done what I asked you, Jones?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner chance at all." he bowed and left the room without another word. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "I have hopes." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have carried out of court." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the I shall communicate with you." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "On Monday." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and