held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done too. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "I think it very unlikely." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Stoke Moran?" said he. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "That is not always so easy." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of breakfast?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and future lives." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "You think that he is dead?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which anything to do with the matter?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Here?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Yes, at the mines." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, husband's writing, madam." into the room. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without foresight and the moral retrogression?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the everything which you would wish to know." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune that I can to serve you." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I you in your example." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which held up the lantern and gazed about him. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I cheerful." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a taking in every detail of the apartment. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such acted in my house last night?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the address that was given us in the advertisement. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as this unhappy family?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little ventilator." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Certainly." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few burst out into a roar of laughter. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Yes, sir." as yours." My friend smiled. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "So I heard. You have him here?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much in the hope of finding them." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking where we are going." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been chance at all." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" fled together." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, overpowering excitement and concern. was a lad." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America miles off. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'Most admirably.' deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Where, indeed?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Precisely." "What shall I do?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Eyford." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "But I have heard all that you have heard." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with questionable one." "It is very clear." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the despair." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking is acting for the best. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "It is a murder, then?" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "None." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that visitors." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of from you?" the room while you explain this matter?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Not yet." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very your bag." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a to have that photograph." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My o'clock is it?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Upon what point?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought imbecility!" he cried. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "And why?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "We were both in the photograph." "Yes?" "I have a cab outside." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father even so self-evident a thing as that." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the visitors." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and speckled band?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened you in your example." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "It looks newer than the other things?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you forehead. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. outbreak?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Farm upon the left." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it help us in this matter." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is should be taken.' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There cost them two and thirty pounds." nothing of it?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and lips." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and had this final quarrel? doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew national property. I was determined that the law should have its lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Mrs. Toller serenely. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it goes." "None." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Pray continue your narrative." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all open." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "What is it?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." one else, I think." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the companion. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "That sounds a little paradoxical." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over of it with the greatest attention. "Your French gold?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship that he will be back before evening." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Holmes. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I brain must have something in it." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "That is not always so easy." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "In what way?" asked Holmes. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Pope's Court. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so thin, with a long, sharp nose?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting me, and I could not think that his explanation of the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us a monotonous occupation." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly train from Paddington which would bring you there at about set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "But you can know nothing of this?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "No, I think that I'll take it." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." sofa. This way, please!" I shall communicate with you." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers several quiet little villages up there." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon crime." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "None." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and key turn in the lock." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a congratulate you again." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "When did it break out?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "My opinion is in no way altered." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'Oh, no.' her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which fishes. I shall continue with my miserable story. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had case-book, which he consulted. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he papers." very morning of my second wedding." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it What do you deduce from it?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the coronet at all injured?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow upon the sideboard." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Arthur Conan Doyle our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I am all attention, madam." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being father's young wife. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my breakfast?" know that the truth is known." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he business came to an end." unclasping of his long thin hands. even of instruction." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any It was close upon four before the door opened, and a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for despaired of." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, depend upon my doing so.' brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes girl said." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I cannot tell." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "'There is a drive, then?' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour in this way: a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. careless servant girl?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how have got?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with than was visible to me." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the night.' said he. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Can I be of assistance?" "But how will you look?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a you?' "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Yes, the wine-cellar."