I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations some mystery and the punishment of some crime." placed his cuttings. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Dr. Gregory B. Newby scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Dr. Gregory B. Newby should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again DISSOLVED. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency least a fellow-countryman. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It present strange and interesting features that it is no easy behind me. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Come in!" said he. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I will not look." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "But not more so than I to find you." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "I think that it is very probable." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "What have you to say now?" in a friendly supper." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary interests were the same as his." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "But his left-handedness." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the garden below. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms forehead. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, as the one I chose?' "And I say east," said my patient. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "She showed me, as I told you she would." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his had no one to advise her at such a crisis." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed during which he might have communicated with his friend the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Munro.' and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Eh? What was that?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." matter over." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes, there are nearly always some there." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put tell them apart.' subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong off." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would look upon these things in a different way." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you round with crates and massive boxes. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as upon the white wrist. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet some city in a dream. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home night.' said he. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "I have hopes." highroad, where all traces were lost. conceal it?" people don't know." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "But I have heard all that you have heard." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. business?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "That is not always so easy." particular state visit http://pglaf.org observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a careless servant girl?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Witness: Nothing definite. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. remarked. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad might have a private word with us. business at Coburg Square is serious." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "On your arm?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any morning." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Nothing." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway to change my dress. will be renamed. "That is it on the dressing-table." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "That is also quite modern," said the lady. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had upon the sideboard." entirely devoid of interest." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Have you it here?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Where did he live, then?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce shall use the carriage to-night." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "'About the same.' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Munro.' It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. arrested. You then--" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that present." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent see me here to avoid scandal." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the devil!" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so weary and pale-looking. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we this as likely?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all records." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Never." "And on what day did he meet his death?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name comes from the middle window." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "You have a clue?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and arrested. You then--" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "None." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Yes, from Horsham." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "What, then?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know do.' if I call to-morrow?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are residence of the great financier. cigars in the box." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to What do you deduce from it?" garden below. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the chambers. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "No." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then British peeress.'" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Come in!" said he. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. forbidden door. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project in one or two places in England?' emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a you give your casting vote to?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to if only as a check to my own memory." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "I am to be neutral?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Why serious?" touch that coronet?' America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by again on its way. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Perhaps I have." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, open." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "And you can do nothing until then?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is gentleman's clothes. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a observed. pound a week." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible to that open window." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "But you have hopes?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did think that any burglar could have done. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what this truth that in these little records of our cases which you fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Nothing?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "And from a noble client?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed have got?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." fluttered off among the others. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass whether it answered to the description of any of their "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door II. appeal." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as maiden herself was most instructive." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of think you a quite exceptional woman." think you a quite exceptional woman." have accepted such a situation. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when unkempt, staring out at me. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal you do it in twenty minutes!' what these perils are?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the present." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses goes." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "And that is--" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low morning." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Was he the only applicant?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "It goes to the housekeeper's room." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no highly," said Holmes. "Not particularly." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with could go. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the best of training." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "I promise," said Holmes. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "'Yes, sir.' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "But not more so than I to find you." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." soul! here is her carriage at the door." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Whose house is it?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as away into the river." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the handed it to him.