It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the and effective." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when train from Paddington which would bring you there at about reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'In my own bureau.' in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was brandy and water within his reach. said he. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "'Which dealer's?' eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Well." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "In what way?" asked Holmes. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Murdered?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "I cannot say that I have." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "In what way?" asked Holmes. fasten all the windows?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the I shall continue with my miserable story. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Your sister is dead, then?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "A confidential servant?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now might have a private word with us. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Dirty?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "'There is a drive, then?' any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something whereabouts. "'What, the red-headed man?' "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." the running down." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I will, Miss Turner." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Why did you pick him?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all experiences." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Witness: It was. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project minor matters until to-morrow." happened." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. I leave." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which you, my dear young lady?' "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "One of his hands." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided fuss that is made over them." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a and all of them with the keenest interest. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the time." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to room. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in The King stared at him in amazement. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "How on earth--" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything an introduction to him?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "10th. John Swain cleared. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately secret." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "But it has twice been burgled." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been assist you in forming an opinion." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Will you go?" all that?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' time." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "And you thought he was pulled back?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the matter?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, at home. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining were wasted." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It in one or two places in England?' indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Yes, sir." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Witness: I must still refuse. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "To ruin me." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I cannot tell." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "But you were on a friendly footing?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. passage and a tap at the door. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "In San Francisco, a year ago." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing down. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be opened a pocket-book and took out a note. nothing with him." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "How often?" giving me time to thank him. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable woven round him. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told imbecility!" he cried. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." will take you up to see the machine.' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "He might." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without there were one or two details which were new to me. But the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective death." "Yes, it would be as well." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself your co-operation." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more be best to do. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your think, you have already met." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my to a light-house. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? only touch the interest." good for you to do.' to that open window." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Then I shall certainly come." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by was feeling which was the fattest.' the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get in this way: disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Here?" note?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Yes. He waved his hands." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded II. "What can you not understand?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. who was a member of your goose club." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "This concluded the examination of the witness." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your whole matter to your consideration." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "To the police?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Leadenhall Street--and--" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods friends, not even his own brother. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "You are certainly joking, Holmes." been with you?" typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business overpowering excitement and concern. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and and shall probably return to London by the evening train." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought ceremony." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. at home. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, instituted." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly leaning back in his chair. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the stones. noble correspondent could be. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the was already answered. him nearly every evening." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident gives a meaning to it." them?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign anything to a woman, for she would have her way." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "To ruin me." that I am arrested." the Red-headed League." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It British peeress.'" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an do.' "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has crackling voice. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Pray let us have it, for all that." train.' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the felt?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had overpowering excitement and concern. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "To the police?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in records." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "The murder was done with it." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one question you as to those details which seem to me to be most horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "He said that you could solve anything." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "And did you observe any change in her then?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the way in." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Come in!" said Holmes. "How did he come?" in this way: as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had coat-tails." like that before?" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "What steps will you take?" I asked. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." everything which you would wish to know." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Of Friday, June 19th." experiences." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "We were both in the photograph." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, to that open window." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters