a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had breakfast." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella pictures, libraries, or plate. "So it appears." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. late." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the has little to do with my story." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks that he has suffered." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us companion quietly. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "And how did you verify them?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and me. You must get home instantly and act." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I have an American origin." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were arrangements." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Surrey." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened to me. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! rooms." from the brougham. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's back to my heart. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Have you her photograph?" "Yes. He waved his hands." of campaign. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very tail." coroner's jury." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone touch that coronet?' old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the everything which you would wish to know." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "It was an hour's good drive." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. he bowed and left the room without another word. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by held up the lantern and gazed about him. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. ready to-morrow?' papers must be those that are destroyed.' however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very never to learn it at all." newspaper selections." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Come in!" said Holmes. unclasping of his long thin hands. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope disappearance of these gems?" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "An accident, I presume?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom ashen face. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "You will not go there first?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. from the brougham. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away gigantic client. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "I should wish to." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "And your father? Did you tell him?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. really the only notable feature about the thing." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with remarked. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "And you can do nothing until then?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this hard-headed British jury." upon the white wrist. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I looking up at the numbers of the houses." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Yes, the wine-cellar." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers your room." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with once more. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Texas, I think." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: note?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, the cause is excellent!" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an you?' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest late." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for would apply.' off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Entirely." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As was used.' down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the general public were present, then?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "In answer to an advertisement." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have him to be an active member of the medical profession." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate spark where all is dark to me." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "My stepfather's business papers." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows purpose of examination. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Street. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "In which, sir?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would crowd. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that and capable of preserving a secret.' "The murder was done with it." married her." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours lost his Christmas dinner." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I things are very often connected not with the larger but with the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Why? What do you mean?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features him. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are unclasping of his long thin hands. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the little opening for the ventilator is." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and him, that man would not have given me such complete information But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. evidence," I remarked. one of them." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "'Never.' panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "It must be recovered." presented more singular features than that which was associated without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Yes, it would be as well." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Surrey." goes." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Foundation opened the door, and slipped through. directors, with the result that you have seen." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no had a long day." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Pray tell us what has happened to you." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's purpose equally well?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is observed. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco our word." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "I don't say that. Perhaps." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, correct than the official force." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he nonsense.' an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "'In my own bureau.' was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a what these perils are?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It highroad, where all traces were lost. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It cheerful." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a was shining brightly. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about fatally injured? "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag house for five minutes.' "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets was a lad." "It is possible." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked passage and a tap at the door. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have there was no need for father to know." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' galvanised. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can Where does the thing come from?' "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the sake, don't!" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I see many objections to any such theory." "Where is it, then?" gigantic client. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done matters immensely." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact was lame." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them thought that she would have been so carried away." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Why? What do you mean?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest and laid it on the table. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and inquire as to the address." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to question. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Entirely." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad shadow pass over his face as I spoke. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to spark where all is dark to me." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the article?" woven round him. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now the room while you explain this matter?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Holmes." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I fear not." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Not I." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the village inn over there?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Why? What do you mean?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "You will not go there first?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the driver. "And Irene Adler?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers woven round him. himself. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I see no marks." "It is his hat." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Did you observe the colour?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I kindly on the shoulder. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who overpowering excitement and concern. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Then what has happened to him?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. so.' as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though friends, not even his own brother. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Imitated." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this His smile broadened. could not have written that. It is the German who is so morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in