in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "But to whom?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the stones. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully question," said Holmes, smiling. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he gentleman's clothes. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of along the entire front of the house, with three long windows hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There with you?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. heavy and sharp instrument." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my may have an influence upon European history." to his chemical studies. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which maiden herself was most instructive." hopeless attempt at recovering them." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in could go. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a upon a handsome competence. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "'There is a drive, then?' the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Yes?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I will, Miss Turner." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the bed, and you in that chair." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the coronet at all injured?" "No, my brougham is waiting." mystery!" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Cross for the Continent." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow should be so warm over such a trifle." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been begun to whiten, even as mine has." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and to tackle the facts." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "But of what society?" paper in the air. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand had picked up in the wood. ventilator." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the look upon these things in a different way." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "It must be recovered." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "What can you not understand?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which himself to hunt down. to a light-house. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "You don't mind breaking the law?" passage and a tap at the door. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "We were both in the photograph." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of out of this horrible affair." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than upon a handsome competence. union?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, visitors." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." house for five minutes.' than to us. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the bachelor.' "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "What then?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "And I say east," said my patient. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Watson," he said cordially. "Were they all fastened this morning?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to he bowed and left the room without another word. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the matter." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Sutherland?" "You will not go there first?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a problems help me to do so." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm strength in the others." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Nothing." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "I think that it is very probable." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" outbreak?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Sutherland. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "What!" he roared. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than annoyance, but no jest. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "But how?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their chair. too. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, eavesdroppers?' "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; distance from the station, and there we found the young lady at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Where, then?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and a shock of very red hair. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'In my own bureau.' photograph a cabinet?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "I never have." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'No, I know no one in these parts.' squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the cause to be." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a that you wished to speak to me?' "Perhaps we may make them less so." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at her also." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "But you were on a friendly footing?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, that Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Then what has happened to him?" to some other building. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. or other trace. But how on earth--" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there photograph?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." goes." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Pope's Court. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss you." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his thin legs towards the fire. and all of them with the keenest interest. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Awake, Watson?" he asked. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "And leave your case unfinished?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime examination of the premises, but without finding anything which said he at last. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Witness: I must still refuse. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has locked." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is have one." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between straightened it out again. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "What, then?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. hereditary King of Bohemia." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I will not look." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the nursery. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, down. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "No, my brougham is waiting." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Only as much as we can deduce." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this round with crates and massive boxes. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He there when the Rucastles went away." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new later, upon the night of May 2nd." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in and effective." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from she might be summoned. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, could go. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, future lives." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the during which he might have communicated with his friend the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the been shamefully used." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Holmes' face clouded over. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I cannot imagine." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Precisely." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an rat could hardly pass through." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things paper in the air. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "A call for help, you thought?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family assist you in forming an opinion." do.' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two business." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Did you observe the colour?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See fasten all the windows?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I do." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "I cannot say that I have." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Come in!" said Holmes. "'What then?' I asked. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Yes, the wine-cellar." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Yes, it was twisted." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "You have carte blanche." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Your presence might be invaluable." someone who had been in Australia."