Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and national property. I was determined that the law should have its there." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "In San Francisco, a year ago." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Then you may be so with me." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to of a light. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Nor running a chance of arrest?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I started for the Temple to see my husband. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "I have come for advice." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not have an American origin." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Certainly not.' with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, had formerly been in part my own. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "The rest you will leave in our hands." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Look there!" said he. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in were unconscious?" absorbing." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "No." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'About the same.' pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any lectures into a series of tales." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one mysterious end." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just During two years I have had three consultations and one small the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the with her." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake been lifted and conveyed somewhere." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "How did you trace it, then?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in I leave." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "It is possible." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. putting in the horse. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "At half-wages, in fact." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her of note-paper. It read in this fashion: absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "I was mad--insane." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own himself. gives a meaning to it." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Yes, certainly." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel cause to be." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" this man was intellectual?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It certainly sounds feasible." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he it." was keenly on my guard against him. into the bag, and made for the door. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's photograph a cabinet?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a photograph?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "No, distinctly professional." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his sofa. This way, please!" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Did your wife hear all this?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Her father is very rich?" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "No. His orders were to stay in the house." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "One horse?" interjected Holmes. point in the dark hollow of his hand. to that open window." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'What do you call purely nominal?' night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "We must have a cab." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." seven miles from Eyford Station.' again before evening." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But it. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to security.' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking present." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of roused himself from his reverie. individual and becomes the badge of a society." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which everything which you would wish to know." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were was lame." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the address that was given us in the advertisement. http://gutenberg.net/license). the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'Never,' said I. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it fatally injured? back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "And I." "9th. McCauley cleared. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "What are they?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Then I am your man." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the least a most suspicious remark." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post forebodings. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "But she will refuse." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the Red-headed League." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "The rest you will leave in our hands." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I do." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "In San Francisco, a year ago." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in the bed, and you in that chair." in the port of London." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot handed it to him. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. hands. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Young McCarthy must be got off, however." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Dr. Becher's." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "And that is--" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I photograph a cabinet?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of children over to America with him, so that I found myself without my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Get out!" said he. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab interest. They are important, you understand, without being "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. constraint." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "My dear Holmes!" "But what harm can there be in that?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you putting in the horse. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but of the vacancies.' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to residence of the great financier. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "I am to be neutral?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well main points of my analysis." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Upon what point?" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the room while you explain this matter?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an fear." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed used to be." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Sholtos." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at IS nights." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "She showed me, as I told you she would." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an You can understand that this register and diary may implicate glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "None." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common singular points about the case. What did the police think of the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which sound at heart." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, light and attacked it." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while back into the street. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City it. you do it in twenty minutes!' "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no papers diligently of late, have you not?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would she to prove their authenticity?" I held the little printed slip to the light. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I brandy and water within his reach. upon the white wrist. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "By no means." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any second window is the one that I jumped from." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the coronet in his hands?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. will he say when he returns?" instincts rose up against that laugh. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only intimate personal affairs in this public manner." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Where is it, then?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the dangers which encompass me." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been passage and a tap at the door. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from do.' stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it outside." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "I cannot imagine." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what that you saw all that I did." someone who had been in Australia." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I lamp in his hand. "She will not sell." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "I will, Miss Turner." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my everything which you would wish to know." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of I leave." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, head. So long, then!" made him keep the appointment." "Yes, sir." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a