Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter copied or distributed: remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm of the one which your family is now devouring." village inn over there?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "VIOLET HUNTER." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "She showed me, as I told you she would." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Imitated." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious have had none more fantastic than this." his knees, staring into the fire. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied fashion which was peculiar to him. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can bears upon the case?" was feeling which was the fattest.' was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Yes?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. it were putty." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with all?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. into the bag, and made for the door. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the will not take me long to tell. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, my former friend and companion. good for you to do.' "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "So I heard. You have him here?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that seem to you to be relevant or not." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your least a fellow-countryman. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried there has been an enclosure here!" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. your billet.' "Oh, the cause is excellent!" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Do you go out much in society?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, time." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been straighten it?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and again before evening." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Just look it up, then." "I should be immensely obliged to you." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "And is that all?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "No?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Pray do so." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in future lives." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything back alive. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of very old mansion. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly fuss that is made over them." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This to some other building. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "You have the photograph?" are, I think, all that we need." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. with her." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my that I am arrested." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Where did he live, then?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Certainly." "So I have heard." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "No more words. Get out!" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' constraint." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the to-morrow." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "I shall be delighted." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "What then?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which became a certainty. "Pray let us have it, for all that." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they woven round him. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "'Entirely.' thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or round with crates and massive boxes. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in affection." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "We must have a cab." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull way in." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of not, dad?" she asked. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "No, thank goodness, she did not." "He said too much." me where it went to?" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little wife's character?" "You think that he is dead?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we fear." in his power. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Why serious?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "By train from Waterloo." awkward doing business with an alias." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Ample." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my secret." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to locked." happened." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the neither fascinating nor artistic." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "BALLARAT." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 lamp. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "And how in the world did you find them?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Pool. more solid." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it it." "Nothing." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which him." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by you." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "It is possible." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of confronted him. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying troubles have been weighing upon his mind. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt arms and began to sob in a high treble key. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate that before taking the final step I should like to submit the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I was already answered. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have 'please.'" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Never." investigation." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the very morning of the wedding." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. would apply.' prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Eh? What was that?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was asked. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Yes, he did." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Was your sister dressed?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke she has been waylaid. There has been no result." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Pope's Court. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of mystery." "You don't mind breaking the law?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my whereabouts. as yours." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. keep the flames under. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Yes, certainly." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "I have my revolver," said I. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I absorbing." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I his cane at the bell-pull. she might be summoned. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Very. But will he see it?" II. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the chance at all." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Murdered?" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." see a sister of mine apply for." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed if she died from some sudden fright." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "I cannot tell." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That might help us?" the night.' usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as in your London, you will know that the office of the company is about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know said he. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" http://gutenberg.net/license). way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with straighten it?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds to have been novel and of interest." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the his grey eyes. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against What do you deduce from it?" you." "Was he the only applicant?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just For additional contact information: statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few people don't know." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself of Mr. Rucastle's." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay so.' This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill to go into your room and bar your shutters?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. occupations.' did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the fishes. telegram would bring me down to your help." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "How do you know, then?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the fact, we may call it conclusive." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Ah!" pierced for earrings?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." until night should bring an explanation. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." at a side door. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'Stolen!' he cried. "That is possible." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a you." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." had this final quarrel? "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Why, what do you mean?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "I promise," said Holmes. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Farm upon the left." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to for its centre. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, to take care of herself." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of