"Danger! What danger do you foresee?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them allusion to a rat. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Which surely he restored to their owner?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Not in the least." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Absolutely?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" in this note: were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham appointment with me for six o'clock?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my silent! Oh, he will be silent!' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "How do you know, then?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "What will you say?" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a waste of energy." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down murdered man." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you depend upon your compliance." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "But she will refuse." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every was not a bird to be seen there. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Yes, it would be as well." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your some city in a dream. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I have my revolver," said I. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "If I can be of use." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same as this. Pray let me have the details." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and It was close upon four before the door opened, and a have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "The best possible." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise think you a quite exceptional woman." London for the present?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "And is that all?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done mystery may be cleared along those lines." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Entirely." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his my special province." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Do you receive much company?" he asked. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside begin with, and I had not got mine yet." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use views." DISSOLVED. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "My own seal." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in noble correspondent could be. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only were wasted." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, help us in this matter." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my have I gained?" own family. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "You will not go there first?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He sparkled upon his finger. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and McCarthy's innocence. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "How often?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a you came in." my little problems." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which crime." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "That is not always so easy." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you them, and came down just as you departed. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "It was an hour's good drive." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' row." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be yards of it?' should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small to-morrow." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who coroner's jury." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Pray let us have it, for all that." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" the house with me." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a lumber-room." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "That's no good." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Doctor, of the paper and the date." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is been lifted and conveyed somewhere." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, maid will bring up your coffee." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which to his chemical studies. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. morning." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." For additional contact information: "And how did you find out?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his shaken than I had ever seen him. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the voice. "Yes, only one." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Pray let us have it, for all that." 1.E.9. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right certainly do as you advise." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Well, but China?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to me. You must get home instantly and act." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" noting anything else of interest. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we examine." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which to have that photograph." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Stoke Moran?" said he. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little whether it answered to the description of any of their "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom neither fascinating nor artistic." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but because she had spent so short a time in this country that she way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the started for the Temple to see my husband. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the said he. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Yes, all." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and me what he had done with the three missing stones. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich my secret was safe in his possession. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "But what harm can there be in that?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and McCarthy's innocence. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in certainly not very gracious." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I am about to be married." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Yes, it was gone.' whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "The King of Scandinavia." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, one which it was hard to resist. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any any little problem which you may submit to me." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "I would pay ten." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were and looked back. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick fishes. even so self-evident a thing as that." from the brougham. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated British peeress.'" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, than to us. "She showed me, as I told you she would." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I really the only notable feature about the thing." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Precisely." opportunities to fix the problem. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, there!' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a I nodded to show that I had heard. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Thank you. And your address?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another other lovers by making love himself." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "And how have you succeeded?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. call the police, let the police find what they can.' The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Then what has happened to him?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage visitors." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended there has been an enclosure here!" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Get out!" said he. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, investigation." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are of campaign. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and away into the river." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. appeal." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "'And the work?' "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. maiden herself was most instructive." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and happened." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, acted in my house last night?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been gone. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Then I can wait in the next room." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that happened." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with married her." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "I should wish to." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Leadenhall Street--and--" murdered man." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate