he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." weapon." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she one else, I think." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose to tell." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Perhaps I have." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He minor matters until to-morrow." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "That is not always so easy." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and place no limit on the sum I may draw." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew of Fenchurch Street." handed it to him. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though woven round him. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, started for the Temple to see my husband. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat conclusions. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "'I am sure if I had known--' "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'What then?' I asked. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "May I see it?" "From his hat?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, I am not easy in my mind about them." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and definite end. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." prison!" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter child?' of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it there!' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the from you?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "But we can't all be." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in appeared upon the scene." criminal. We have already had experience of such." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I was mad--insane." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Then how many are there?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Do you know him?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I your sleep?' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "What is it?" one of them." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "It's nothing of the kind." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems congenial hunt. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, question," said Holmes, smiling. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." south, for the country is more deserted there." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his certainly not very gracious." Farm upon the left." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my hour?' things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send 1.F. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a developed." rooms." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "None." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and present." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "And the cigar-holder?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the to tackle the facts." acted in my house last night?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." his forehead." once more for Briony Lodge. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Where does the thing come from?' I shall communicate with you." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached business at Coburg Square is serious." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he straighten it?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at not as remarkable as your advertisement." there was no need for father to know." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just forbidden door. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his I nodded again. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was his face. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "On the contrary, this is the right side." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, you understand?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and tell me that you intended to go into harness." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "But she could not love him." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built writing, and yet I know it well." "Then how many are there?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but coat-tails." round and wave him away like that.' This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at dead, shall be safe with us." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured my little problems." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it were unconscious?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the up this clue while it is still hot." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "You are hungry," I remarked. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and inquire as to the address." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "'I shall certainly be there.' particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' present." "Is he quiet?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Ha! you find it so?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." character. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was triumphant cloud from his cigarette. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. in my life." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Not in a good cause." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. went to the Alpha were town bred." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "What steps will you take?" I asked. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the down. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are the stable lane now." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened to arrive at through this?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most that you wished to speak to me?' "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good room?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'Certainly,' I answered. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own imbecility!" he cried. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets this Miss Turner." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a know what is wrong with it.' contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before spark where all is dark to me." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my burst out into a roar of laughter. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely was lame." true." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said little adventures." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my visitors." events, Mr. Windibank!" union?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" learned something! Where are the gems?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "That is unusual in a young girl." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "10th. John Swain cleared. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." unprecedented a position." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the in. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and of the way of danger. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, one of the states of the Union." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this have been better. It is all right." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take woven round him. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that recover the gem." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it one else, I think." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in trying to your nerves." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow already referred to. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "You were travelling in the States?" more solid." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he speckled band?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the matter." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "The doctor?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "By all means." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A formed some opinion?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He gives a meaning to it." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "You forget that I know nothing about it." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, placed his cuttings. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. brain must have something in it." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to indiscretion." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the seem to you to be relevant or not." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered you, my dear young lady?' disturbance in my wife." said Mr. Holder. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since as he remarks, very much against the son." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "She showed me, as I told you she would." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "And who is her maid?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "What I expected to see." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be open." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "No, I think that I'll take it." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have me upon any point which I do not make clear." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an daring than any effort of the imagination." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as where Mr. Fordham shows you.' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Again Holmes raved in the air. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my you." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had allusion to a rat. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." went to the Alpha were town bred." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of six. Come in!" "That is unusual in a young girl." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was