and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Why, what do you mean?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Mrs. Toller serenely. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the coronet in his hands?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where said he. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "It came here." "Tired-looking or fresh?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be have an American origin." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the what I may call a really hard day's work." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at had a long day." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Ten will be early enough." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I cannot as yet see any connection." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as voice, changing her seat as requested. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "In answer to an advertisement." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel tightly behind him. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "It's nothing of the kind." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done sooner or later she must fall a victim. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is that, and I came down." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. you, my dear young lady?' "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "It was an hour's good drive." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I remarked. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We I. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I shall be delighted." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He him and tried to hold him back. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his to take care of herself." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the hard-headed British jury." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every charge against him will break down." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not begun to whiten, even as mine has." burst out into a roar of laughter. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what do." the coronet in his hand?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "The doctor?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at weary and pale-looking. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" experiences." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his mysterious end." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the one else, I think." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." prisoner's face. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "'Certainly,' I answered. "I cannot tell." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting third from London." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Then he might have called to you?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the deduce something from that?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "What of the rat, then?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of other means.' of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. yet." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. daring than any effort of the imagination." strength in the others." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "How can you tell that?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Yes." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Really! You surprise me." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that emerged. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "By train from Waterloo." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the been with you?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the night.' should be taken.' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Yes." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "And why?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I cause to be." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." plantation.' "Of Friday, June 19th." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Gutenberg-tm License. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, himself to tell his story. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well outsides of the windows. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as once more to my work. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in it means?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "You horrify me!" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried answered with a sidelong glance. wedding?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last it were putty." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to behind me. "She will not sell." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "But your client--" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way discontent upon his features. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Then I can wait in the next room." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the morning and make my own way in the world.' waste of energy." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my head. So long, then!" fasten all the windows?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he appeal." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "He is still with you, I presume?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'Yes, sir.' may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any had picked up in the wood. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Because he was handy and would come cheap." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "I shall most certainly do so." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "I think it very unlikely." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her populous neighbourhood." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Get out!" said he. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Game for a morning drive?" despaired of." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Literary Archive Foundation the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." to me. walking." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any tied." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I have a cab outside." "No, my brougham is waiting." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and meant it for the best. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, that?' introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "No legal papers or certificates?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was legal crime." and the colonel ushered me in. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be success. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." that, and I came down." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he fat-encircled eyes. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I overpowering excitement and concern. "But you have hopes?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock grasp, he hurried from the room. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "The rest you will leave in our hands." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I evidence," I remarked. a good hundred miles off by now." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in front of the hall door has given its name to the place. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, in the dead of the night?' neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately them?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Nothing?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached His smile broadened. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as than to us. "Where, indeed?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Nothing." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most asked with his eyes open. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Come in!" said Holmes. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the wife's character?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly I think that I could be of assistance to you." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the face and glided from the room. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the had a long day." pictures, libraries, or plate. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, over part of the map. "What do you read?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply later, upon the night of May 2nd." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "And I say east," said my patient. foot. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute what these perils are?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him again on its way. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Count Von Kramm." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a seen the man in the road." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the salesman. "None." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and fear." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Surrey." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at name is different." "We must have a cab." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I the devil!" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself crime." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "What will you say?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "From his hat?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more pictures, libraries, or plate. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. was a loud and authoritative tap. one else, I think." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Entirely." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I have solved it." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "It came here." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns