Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "And it is--" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the look dissatisfied." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots presented which may be striking and bizarre without being through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Count Von Kramm." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "You saw the ventilator, too?" lectures into a series of tales." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "And it is--" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little I held the little printed slip to the light. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was way in." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" take the flies, but not before." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. colonel looking down at me. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I been able to understand it, in a very few words. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, have accepted such a situation. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed is worth.' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way together. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny noting anything else of interest. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows waste of energy." voice. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided certainly not very gracious." that you wished to speak to me?' urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the really the only notable feature about the thing." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for be.' "'As governess?' hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known for the market.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a I. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "No?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you impression behind it as though a window had gently closed One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by stammered. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "'Which dealer's?' anything to a woman, for she would have her way." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate in this note: see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the your room." forebodings. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "But how did you gain them?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "You know me, then?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The him, that man would not have given me such complete information friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. his knees, staring into the fire. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to father's place of business?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Clair, of Lee." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards think that any burglar could have done. like gravel from a pit.' police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of may have an influence upon European history." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The friends, not even his own brother. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know room had already been engaged for us. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the bed, and you in that chair." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Seven!" I answered. "No." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just as he folded up the epistle. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner secret." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Whose house is it?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and examination of the premises, but without finding anything which side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced leave you to your papers for a little." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the away to you." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without gone. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was friend's singular character. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back were unconscious?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Yes?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Yes.' it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second I am not easy in my mind about them." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were was already answered. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" arrested. You then--" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." posted to-day." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." disappearance of the bride.'" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the child." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." stood on the top of it. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "9th. McCauley cleared. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "'You cannot say what it was?' daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the humiliation." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Henry Baker is a member." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Nothing." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is eat it." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away shoulder. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt forecastle of an emigrant ship. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a taking in every detail of the apartment. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and really the only notable feature about the thing." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, to take care of herself." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon From what you have told me I think that it is possible that besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his several quiet little villages up there." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange I approached. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of system of imprisonment?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Then I shall certainly come." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Quite so. She has her freedom." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the station." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" to tackle the facts." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Yes, it would be as well." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his I nodded to show that I had heard. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "But how?" "Yes." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, lips." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for this as likely?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the murdered man." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. better grown goose." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "The decline of his fortunes, then?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have fear." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my directors, with the result that you have seen." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and there!' St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door you in yours." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Pray do so." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the fasten all the windows?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" his huge brown hands. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his in one or two places in England?' knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "I was certainly surprised to find you there." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he begun to whiten, even as mine has." lectures into a series of tales." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before fattened it expressly for you.' like that before?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Not in the least." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg situation." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were walking." have one." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole giving me time to thank him. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so works. See paragraph 1.E below. them?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "It is half-past ten now." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter get the tickets." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas evidence," I remarked. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I