"It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at did not hear it also.' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Then what has happened to him?" "How can you tell that?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Did you observe the colour?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get derbies." "Yes." "Certainly." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "It is his hat." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Yes, at the mines." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the interest. They are important, you understand, without being As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor upon an income of about 60 pounds." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "We must sit without light. He would see it through the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "And is that all?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do hereditary King of Bohemia." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and no precautions can guard against." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" lectures into a series of tales." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very you." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a spark where all is dark to me." "10th. John Swain cleared. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. crackling voice. "No." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Certainly." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage for securing the situation." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. ourselves in the office." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very him nearly every evening." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Mrs. Toller serenely. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. License. You must require such a user to return or ran thus: it with his own hands." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an chance at all." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that You can understand that this register and diary may implicate that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Yes." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned system of imprisonment?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "The landlord of the Alpha." washing it down with a long draught of water. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present persecution?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "'Stolen!' he cried. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "No good news?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "What!" he roared. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "An enemy?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His flock.' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My newspaper selections." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the ceiling. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Where did he live, then?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "But what is it you wish?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her said he. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Yes." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. outside." what is your own theory as to what took place?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be discontent upon his features. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not would then never go into court at all." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we said I. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Mrs. Toller serenely. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "The landlord of the Alpha." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of highly," said Holmes. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per maid will bring up your coffee." McCarthy." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "'Very good.' money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help companion imperturbably. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "I was afraid that you were engaged." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. all that?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would conclusions. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Then you may entirely rely on me." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close affair. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Have you good authority for what you say?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "What then?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. key turn in the lock." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "We must sit without light. He would see it through the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret maiden herself was most instructive." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not past. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black vanished into the darkness. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold address. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "It came here." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in morning." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be orange pips. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' one or two very singular points about this room. For example, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the persecution?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? and glanced through. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "But not more so than I to find you." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the roots. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a to-morrow." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote it were putty." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Precisely so. But how--" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "But what will you do?" village inn over there?" and capable of preserving a secret.' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "It is no ordinary one." other lovers by making love himself." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his your co-operation." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign case before our client came into the room." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such His smile broadened. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the derbies." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." despaired of." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the quick march!" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "No." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I promised to bring home. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, shoulder; "he's all right." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." think that he is innocent?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "What! a murderous attack?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "You did not overhear what they said?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "One?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I say that I have solved it." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Stoke Moran." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as yards of it?' Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with letters?" becomes even more simple." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "He is dead," cried several voices. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears call you and give you the chance." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "But we can't all be." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay of." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Precisely." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until one else, I think." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been golden eyeglasses. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "The knees of his trousers." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By my secret was safe in his possession. "Here?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "And how have you succeeded?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I directly by questioning you." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "How about poison?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Of what day?" it right.' "I will get her to show me." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Yes, he did." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was in the port of London." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must just called myself is not exactly my own." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Well, it is a possible supposition." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "How did you trace it, then?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in me have 200 pounds?' "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness