"This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any province." leaning back in his chair. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense quite distinctive." "'Which dealer's?' and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "I guessed as much." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and peculiar to him. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "No, thank goodness, she did not." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort is entirely a question of barometric pressure." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, is a common subject for conversation. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Yes, all." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy made his money." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may drawing your inferences." "Was she in good spirits?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I photograph a cabinet?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "No, thank goodness, she did not." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, were unconscious?" strength in the others." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with breakfast." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco you came in." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "How are you getting on?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "You are hungry," I remarked. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to that I may have something better before very many minutes are seem to you to be relevant or not." "But who is he?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in It may be so in this case, also." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to straightened it out again. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are some city in a dream. once more. something of him before." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "What shall I do?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had she has been waylaid. There has been no result." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "No more words. Get out!" sparkled upon his finger. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" quite distinctive." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and was lame." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be It may be so in this case, also." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." once more to my work. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to ashen face. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts this remarkable episode. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a stepfather?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted stalked out of the room. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell said he, "my real name is James Ryder." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging brain must have something in it." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was nonsense.' happened." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these washing it down with a long draught of water. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Not I." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "So it appears." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step morning." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, the stones. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you enter Dr. Roylott's room." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'As governess?' to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I her also." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "It is to him that this trophy belongs." our word." outside. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" cup of tea. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. events, Mr. Windibank!" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." desk. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the morning." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from face and glided from the room. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to spark where all is dark to me." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "No legal papers or certificates?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be what is your own theory as to what took place?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so not within a twentieth part of the market price." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Have you her photograph?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "To ruin me." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately should be so warm over such a trifle." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Eyford." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I at once, for I have only half an hour." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." been." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when My friend smiled. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "What are they?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "It came here." conclusions. flock.' we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself the very morning of the wedding." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment him to be an active member of the medical profession." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the warnings." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his his face which made him a very different person to the round, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "I have come for advice." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "In the cells." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Holmes' room. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he daring than any effort of the imagination." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her not fit the lock." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "I think it very unlikely." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then imbecility!" he cried. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. was a lad." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "That is possible." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside His smile broadened. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, written, and locked the door of the office after me. me what he had done with the three missing stones. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, and it need not interfere very much with one's other course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept forecastle of an emigrant ship. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on o'clock is it?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had your only hope of safety." like that before?" that you saw all that I did." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; awaited us upon the table. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. horse could go." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "'I shall certainly be there.' abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "But he might be a bachelor." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I entirely lost his self-respect." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." security.' "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "'Entirely.' galvanised. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" directly by questioning you." see a sister of mine apply for." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in prisoner's face. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "To the police?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be purpose of examination. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all himself to hunt down. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle despair." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences to arrive at through this?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had ourselves in the office." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "You don't mind breaking the law?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Then, as to money?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "What is it, then--a fire?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding sparkled upon his finger. "And for present expenses?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her