years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "'And the work?' "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are dates and names. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "You have a clue?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "That also I could fathom." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Was she in good spirits?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "'What are you doing there?' he asked. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Witness: It was. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his disappearance of these gems?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and which it had come upon my father." tell him that I know him to be innocent." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Yes." "I am still in the dark." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "'What are you doing there?' he asked. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. just called myself is not exactly my own." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "One of his hands." The events in question occurred in the early days of my me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "But of what society?" she might be summoned. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "I will do it." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to second." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker said he at last. friend's singular character. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in me what he had done with the three missing stones. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' waste of energy." room?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I think it very unlikely." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had over here." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his For additional contact information: "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six invisible to me," I remarked. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the suddenly upon us." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from made him keep the appointment." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "I think that it is very probable." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, enter into my head. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat behind me. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "A call for help, you thought?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed questioning and rather startled gaze. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Then I do not see the point." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked which our visitor detailed to us. "I will get her to show me." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the look dissatisfied." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, where Mr. Fordham shows you.' seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "My photograph." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, You want to know what became of those geese?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "No." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Gutenberg-tm License. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." this Miss Turner." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "About a month then." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as acquaintance?" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a will take you up to see the machine.' said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it I shall communicate with you." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring child?' client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over done what I asked you, Jones?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Very. But will he see it?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other 11:15.' the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door this poor creature." "None." "I do." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the it were putty." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Where is it, then?" was shining brightly. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him conversation I have gathered that they have been married about and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Precisely so. But how--" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Heh?' Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, down. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** in a very precise fashion." begun to whiten, even as mine has." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "By all means." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I been with you?" of it with the greatest attention. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "'I have already given you my word.' unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but of note-paper. It read in this fashion: are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Foundation "'Yes, sir.' London for the present?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Do you receive much company?" he asked. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire already referred to. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Gutenberg-tm License. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I what is your own theory as to what took place?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Oh, the cause is excellent!" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, be best to do. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime so.' meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a fatally injured? travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the three of the beryls in it, was missing. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Certainly." "What, then?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, ashen face. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the that he will be back before evening." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most envelope. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "At the wedding breakfast." present." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Certainly, madam." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I cannot say that I have." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "What! a murderous attack?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her as this. Pray let me have the details." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project should be taken.' the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with you for a few hours?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Sholtos." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never lost nothing by them." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Street. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Nothing?" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Yes." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for was once confined in the cab my mission was practically round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a foot. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "That is not always so easy." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me disturbance in my wife." just ask you whether you had heard it.' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "But what will you do?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted throat." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these one's self under obligations.' there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Where does the thing come from?' "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a interest. They are important, you understand, without being dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said fasten all the windows?" observed. roused himself from his reverie. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, this as likely?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. peculiar to him. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "I will not look." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect orange pips. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he awaited us upon the table. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by has little to do with my story." "And from a noble client?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was conclusions. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into highroad, where all traces were lost. and wait." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, strong and stiff." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? congenial hunt. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "'Then let me do so?' so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is papers diligently of late, have you not?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you