morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that that you can jump it.' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to cigars in the box." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "It missed him, then?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain fatally injured? of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "No, I had a dozen." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Deserted you?" "I shall most certainly do so." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and the church but not where the lady lived." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It photograph?" writer." "I was sure that I might rely on you." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do down. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "You horrify me." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have friends, not even his own brother. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Was the window open?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that formed some opinion?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll dead, shall be safe with us." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn front of the hall door has given its name to the place. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Heh?' photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a everything which you would wish to know." "Never to return." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a I am not easy in my mind about them." Clair, of Lee." which we had just quitted. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Entirely." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge crowd. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "I am armed." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my woman who has had her own way to make in the world. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I see many objections to any such theory." "And the cigar-holder?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if in his hands." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "I saw her in conversation with her maid." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Then I can wait in the next room." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter there were so many in the whole country as were brought together enter Dr. Roylott's room." redistribution. the station." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must wedding?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a certainly not very gracious." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, narrative." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer ventilator." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. politicians who had been sent down from the North. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "So it appears." child?' matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Nothing." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Your sister is dead, then?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, maiden herself was most instructive." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the which was all perfectly true. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the yourselves in at night?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Doctor, of the paper and the date." purpose equally well?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "And why?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "I assure you that I am in your hands." "What have you to say now?" opened the door, and slipped through. giving me time to thank him. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" husband's writing, madam." heavy and sharp instrument." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest works. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "And how did you find out?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: humiliation." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and must compliment you." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Ample." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the 1.E.9. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the a monotonous occupation." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "I do." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the bottom.' is," said he presently: "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, visitors." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned presented which may be striking and bizarre without being perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "I am still in the dark." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean fait accompli?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of Serpentine Avenue. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of was used.' whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Most admirably.' "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, next day. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of brandy and water within his reach. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and be sorry for having acted so harshly." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me upon the white wrist. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "We have tried and failed." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Proceed, then." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" you?' "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter promised to bring home. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It question. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after he. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' wedding?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "What then?" "'Quite sure, dad.' telegram would bring me down to your help." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in any." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "And your father? Did you tell him?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to mystery!" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'Yes, I promise.' "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might London for the present?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and gentleman's clothes. "Yes, he did." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. her also." "I think it very unlikely." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on before, for it was considerably after midnight. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." was shining brightly. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to third from London." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the King without delay." "'And what salary do you ask?' and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of stepfather?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the disappearance of the bride.'" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Where, indeed?" fact, we may call it conclusive." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'Stolen!' he cried. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "What can it mean?" I gasped. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in murdered man." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Surrey." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "You saw the ventilator, too?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and the coronet at all injured?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "An accident, I presume?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion go back?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." rooms." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his would apply.' deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's upon an income of about 60 pounds." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any voice, changing her seat as requested. heavy and sharp instrument." society." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Yes, it was twisted." of the vacancies.' clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "What steps will you take?" I asked. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious and prosperity to your house. Good-night." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was following enigmatical notices: to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he she has been waylaid. There has been no result." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then,