"Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and some water from a caraffe. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Well, but China?" main points of my analysis." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. companion. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at affection." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Do you receive much company?" he asked. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem shoulder. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this the Friday. Was it to be in church?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "No?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he pity, because in other respects you would really have done very is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "And the cigar-holder?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his of fine shops and stately business premises that they really subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to said I. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Pray let us have it, for all that." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "And the murderer?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter quite distinctive." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked cigars in their mouths. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "None." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." remarked. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a investigation." "I am sure." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "It's nothing of the kind." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy yet." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and coat-tails." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly tear off another piece?' brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "What is it?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "It looks newer than the other things?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the one of them." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and wall." never came back." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit not interfere, come what may. You understand?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "One?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "I will try. What is it?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the trifles." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a his forehead." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than so.' his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her detective. and the whole place is in a blaze." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the warnings." come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in that threaten you." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without be there in time for your coming." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "No, but the enclosure is." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of quite distinctive." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was The note was undated, and without either signature or address. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "And what then?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Was he the only applicant?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the States. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "But of what society?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was that there was nothing in it, after all." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no happened." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms characteristics, but those are the more obvious." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Never." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. be there in time for your coming." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for she might be summoned. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Cross for the Continent." the night.' some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "How about poison?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." affair. here." you?' sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a foot. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to hard-headed British jury." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, read over the extraordinary announcement. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last wanted for ourselves." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as father's young wife. "No bad?" hurried away. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "How about poison?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" of it with the greatest attention. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are particular state visit http://pglaf.org "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing address. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "By no means." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly pound a week." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have nothing with him." photograph?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very maid will bring up your coffee." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Countess of Morcar's?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Certainly." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Very truly yours, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "If I can be of use." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the companion quietly. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "'Is 4 pounds a week.' village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely not use it unless it is absolutely needed." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered not, dad?" she asked. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the as he folded up the epistle. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are felt?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that over here." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Holmes, the busybody!" and the church but not where the lady lived." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to business?" "'Yes, I promise.' would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to danger is over." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "I have my revolver," said I. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "My last client of the sort was a king." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact come either from the window or the door. My attention was the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that ran thus: *** START: FULL LICENSE *** as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But triumphant cloud from his cigarette. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "You are certainly joking, Holmes." chance." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the coroner come to?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "What do you make of that, Watson?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely His smile broadened. "Yes." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "'Why that?' I asks. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. the tragedy. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning you came in." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, very morning of my second wedding." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." hopeless attempt at recovering them." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation to have that photograph." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Ah, but I was recommended to you." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "At half-wages, in fact." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Who by?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Street. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Doctor, of the paper and the date." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no would then never go into court at all." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "What is it?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which would then never go into court at all." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Was your sister dressed?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of house for five minutes.' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she that I may have something better before very many minutes are all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "It's nothing of the kind." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging acquaintance?" "The Cedars?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's address. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make do.' was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when child?' forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Certainly." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "But it has twice been burgled." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle like that before?" indeed happy." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "That's no good." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "My last client of the sort was a king." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I and the church but not where the lady lived." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "But it has twice been burgled." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, time." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'I have already given you my word.' calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000