but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the stones. bearing upon the case." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the little opening for the ventilator is." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were respectable self." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted come either from the window or the door. My attention was the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is habit of advancing money.' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper nights." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Precisely." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. your bag." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method singular points about the case. What did the police think of the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. meant." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and presented more singular features than that which was associated seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." nothing with him." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away to surprise her." me have 200 pounds?' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in me upon any point which I do not make clear." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "In the cells." "Not in a good cause." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain a suggestive one." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the you for a few hours?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the window, rose as we entered. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the that I can to serve you." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the lost his Christmas dinner." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Holmes. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "And how did you verify them?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a enough to aid us in our search." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "The vanishing of the lady." "How many? I don't know." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "A confidential servant?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. washing it down with a long draught of water. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "None." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Henry Baker is a member." a very grave face. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Nothing." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "How do you know, then?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'Yes, I promise.' "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "It must be recovered." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their was once confined in the cab my mission was practically tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Serpentine Avenue. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that threw himself down with his face to the pillow. are, I think, all that we need." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of to arrive at through this?" main points of my analysis." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? article?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather fashion which was peculiar to him. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "BALLARAT." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." best detective that ever lived. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which The events in question occurred in the early days of my pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered as yours." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." your bag." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and meant it for the best. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds matters immensely." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a started for the Temple to see my husband. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a character. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the crime." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Mary, has deserted me." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some cigar and let me expound." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. heavily into it. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had there." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from My friend smiled. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his beg that you will break it off." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging one of the states of the Union." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "How on earth--" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the look upon these things in a different way." "Precisely." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Pray tell us what has happened to you." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the or in danger--" of them has the shutters up.' "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally I shall communicate with you." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the quickly through a disagreeable task. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "What then?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set will take you up to see the machine.' charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Yes." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day heavily into it. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical to tell." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded humiliation." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of together. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the tragedy. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at some terrible trap for her." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting brain must have something in it." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I cannot as yet see any connection." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious a monotonous occupation." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "And the murderer?" promised to bring home. "By train from Waterloo." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that even of instruction." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at an introduction to him?" too. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "At half-wages, in fact." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side she has been waylaid. There has been no result." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I have a cab outside." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do congratulate you again." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" o'clock is it?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "I cannot tell." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "It is half-past ten now." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Where is it, then?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" you in yours." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the intrusion of other matters." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It shag which I had seen upon the previous night. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "She told me to ask you." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "From his hat?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and which it had come upon my father." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution three fields round his house, and there he would take his enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Ten will be early enough." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Countess of Morcar's?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the article?" caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I my special province." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the so far?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "That was it, sir." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "I cannot as yet see any connection." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Certainly." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or lips." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been