which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is and looked back. business came to an end." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but detained." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I see no marks." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the maiden herself was most instructive." "Could he throw no light?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several here." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its he bowed and left the room without another word. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "But it has twice been burgled." "Ah!" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at washing it down with a long draught of water. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I but preventing her from injuring another. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and someone who had been in Australia." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. horse could go." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "It missed him, then?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I think it very unlikely." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold breakfast." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all clanging. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious time." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently things are very often connected not with the larger but with the that?' "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had desk. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story lumber-room." gigantic client. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was congenial hunt. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and meant it for the best. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. arrangements." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is see me here to avoid scandal." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Now, then, what's the last entry?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Murdered?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you wanted for ourselves." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Pool. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. did not hear it also.' Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Will you bet, then?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before did not hear it also.' with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we once more for Briony Lodge. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' do." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I there were one or two details which were new to me. But the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson bare slabs of marble. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I have hopes." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." hour." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I electronic works "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "And you don't know his address?" appeared upon the scene." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "I am about to be married." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it side. village inn over there?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in business in the City. She little knew what. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "But we can't all be." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Very. But will he see it?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and danger is over." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "The knees of his trousers." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined it." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police drove away. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly heavy and sharp instrument." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' written, and locked the door of the office after me. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Certainly." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's our word." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that you found me to-night--and running through the front room she which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That have had none more fantastic than this." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "I think that I had better go, Holmes." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, arrested. You then--" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he words came to my lips. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Certainly." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated arms and began to sob in a high treble key. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line London for the present?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "And how?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "But how?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "In heaven's name, what for?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "What can you not understand?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open politicians who had been sent down from the North. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "I would give my fortune to have them back." disturbance in my wife." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." your equipment. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking is worth.' sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Pray let us have it, for all that." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "A call for help, you thought?" envelope. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular carried out of court." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Ah!" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside imbecility!" he cried. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. less than 26s. 4d. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during companion quietly. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Yes, sir." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' little adventures." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "'Tell me all about it,' said I. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the minor matters until to-morrow." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the remarked. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" written, and locked the door of the office after me. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He secret." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Yes." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "And how in the world did you find them?" some city in a dream. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a leave you to your papers for a little." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in him. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Yes, they were peculiar boots." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made into the room. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "And how?" events, Mr. Windibank!" "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Then, as to money?" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "And your father? Did you tell him?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "And I." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' case before our client came into the room." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could sound at heart." least a fellow-countryman. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "How long did she speak to this Alice?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his would then never go into court at all." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "And you don't know his address?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an answer." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the coronet at all injured?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" delighted to hear it," he said. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This The note was undated, and without either signature or address. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the paper in the air. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and fire. You quite follow me?" "Yes." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Of Friday, June 19th." "My dear Holmes!" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Yes." everything which you would wish to know." skylight. sufficient punishment." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "My photograph." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "No, I am descending." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. delirious. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. guilty one." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the tragedy. bell. Holmes whistled. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square entirely lost his self-respect." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work answered with a sidelong glance. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I delighted to hear it," he said. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is pity, because in other respects you would really have done very and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection strode off upon his way. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "You have but to name it." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a child?' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted his huge brown hands. what I may call a really hard day's work." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, unclasping of his long thin hands. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works than was visible to me." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an to some other building. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as enter Dr. Roylott's room." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." of." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Certainly." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do what these perils are?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand front of me. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "And is that all?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "When did she vanish, then?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been