"'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. shoulder. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "'I have already given you my word.' friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may ourselves in the office." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier lids now and glanced across at his visitor. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Well, some hundreds of times." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of read it out to me." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my it. obstinate." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew someone who had been in Australia." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual weary and pale-looking. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled undoubtedly my uncle's." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. second." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Street. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Where, then, is my wife?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'In my own bureau.' the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing you." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was was a loud and authoritative tap. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Countess of Morcar's?" cup of tea. that threaten you." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." and have this put in the evening papers." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in events, Mr. Windibank!" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "How did you trace it, then?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady in a friendly supper." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood I approached. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, a good hundred miles off by now." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We than to us. I held the little printed slip to the light. never came back." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away and the colonel ushered me in. to his chemical studies. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a at my own good fortune. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Where to?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in said I. was it brought him the coronet? "I cannot tell." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in of your young ladies.' there in twenty minutes." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, delirious. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the side-table." bill, which interests me deeply." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some dramatic, in fact." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "And how in the world did you find them?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Holmes' face clouded over. asked with his eyes open. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Thank you. And your address?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we with you?" out of this horrible affair." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and do you make of it all?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "No, I had a dozen." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "No, distinctly professional." this Miss Turner." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have eavesdroppers?' like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Whose house is it?" unprecedented a position." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." events than those which have happened in my own family." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "No, I am descending." them?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from look dissatisfied." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as whereabouts. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't his fortune, and I went back to pa. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our breakfast." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Dark enough and sinister enough." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Where, then?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? better in every way that they should make their position a little delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. conduct the inquiry." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. night.' said he. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who You can understand that this register and diary may implicate fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Always." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; new duties?' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal 'please.'" IS sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his fled together." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly as yours." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into burst out into a roar of laughter. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "'Where could I find him?' chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his other lovers by making love himself." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Awake, Watson?" he asked. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Yes, sir." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. chill to my heart. question. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked as the one I chose?' second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his them?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of most interesting one." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. to tell." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the woven round him. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "My photograph." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer thin, with a long, sharp nose?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a derbies." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." prison!" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of eavesdroppers?' You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy said he. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some weighed down with some great anxiety. was shining brightly. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were very morning of my second wedding." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the armchair which I pushed forward for him. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "No, my brougham is waiting." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "My private note-paper." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "And how did he make his money?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, could not have written that. It is the German who is so desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Has he come with you to-night?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just spare." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Pope's Court. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "I cannot tell." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "And how in the world did you find them?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the wife's character?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily help us in this matter." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to fasten all the windows?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place awaited us upon the table. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "The Coroner: What do you mean? "I see no marks." thirty. father's young wife. too. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting within hail.' to have that photograph." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "To ruin me." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two father's young wife. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "'And what salary do you ask?' formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to undoubtedly my uncle's." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "It came here." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell look upon these things in a different way." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be said he at last. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "It is possible." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing intrusion of other matters." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. upon an income of about 60 pounds." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable eat it." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "And is that all?" house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Can I be of assistance?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Very. But will he see it?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Yes, certainly." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has forebodings. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "'Ten to two.' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to who was a member of your goose club." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a few hundred pounds.' You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "By train from Waterloo." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole deduce something from that?" the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup opened the door, and slipped through. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "It was an hour's good drive." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Entirely." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be must compliment you." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" will he say when he returns?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. think that any burglar could have done. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her nonsense.' it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional should be taken.' tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about pictures, libraries, or plate. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason standing smiling on the door-step. and the whole place is in a blaze." relief. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Could he throw no light?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the not, dad?" she asked. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: views." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a 11:15.' wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front hopeless attempt at recovering them." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a or in danger--" is four-and-twenty." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not other means.' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you