"You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Eyford." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. it. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest or other trace. But how on earth--" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "To ruin me." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera over with notes and figures. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "But he might be a bachelor." sake, don't!" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "And now?" I asked. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and get her out of the way." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' 'I should be able to look after that for you.' 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day tightly behind him. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "What is it, then--a fire?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the stalked out of the room. remarked. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off not as remarkable as your advertisement." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I cannot say that I have." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it along the entire front of the house, with three long windows to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "A call for help, you thought?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the morning." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting could not account in any way for the presence of the missing could gather together that I was able to avert another public rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his of this gang." with the outside air!" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Arthur Conan Doyle "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. purpose of examination. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then cigars in the box." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Then, as to money?" "The knees of his trousers." "Never to return." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and The note was undated, and without either signature or address. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the be best to do. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' she slowly sank and died without having recovered her arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and McCarthy." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Here?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one careless servant girl?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I will try. What is it?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." other lovers by making love himself." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Pope's Court, Fleet Street." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "I shall most certainly do so." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the roots. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." 'please.'" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue careless servant girl?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "By no means." annoyance, but no jest. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before girl said." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "And how did you verify them?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "And why in hopes?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "They are typewritten," I remarked. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the writer." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in careless servant girl?" will he say when he returns?" these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. you?' wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "'And what salary do you ask?' "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Mary, has deserted me." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." if only as a check to my own memory." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Yes, only one." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had been shamefully used." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, possible that we could bring him back to her? fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." newspaper selections." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "'What, the red-headed man?' steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Now, then, what's the last entry?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send never came back." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his bird of prey. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he this unhappy family?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'Yes, sir.' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Nothing." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are dear old homesteads?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than presume?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should row." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Witness: Nothing definite. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "About a month then." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, emerged. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a But Holmes shook his head gravely. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have threw himself down with his face to the pillow. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons upon the sideboard." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. stammered. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ there is a decided draught." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Texas, I think." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Was the window open?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me be sorry for having acted so harshly." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he carriage. It was a chestnut." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can or in danger--" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else you." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "To the police?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "By train from Waterloo." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I reach." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "One of the highest in England." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "What can you not understand?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "What of the rat, then?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side are, I think, all that we need." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "I cannot say that I have." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room past. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales into the room. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook your only hope of safety." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, you want, then?' for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "I beg pardon." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "No, my brougham is waiting." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning enter Dr. Roylott's room." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Yes, it was twisted." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley made his money." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Munro.' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "What then?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, against a man in the prime of life?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I saw her in conversation with her maid." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we indiscretion." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "'Never,' said I. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I was mad--insane." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret these bleak autumnal evenings." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "An enemy?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it most interesting one." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up you?' Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Watson," he said cordially. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Heh?' obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Yes." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "And who is her maid?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "And why?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "I am to be neutral?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in since then to throw any light upon what became of him." look dissatisfied." hardly wander." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of mysterious business." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'Why that?' I asks. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" directly by questioning you." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is you." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and derbies." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow very peculiar words of the dying woman?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "'Ample.' "It is very kind of you." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, directly by questioning you." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. south, for the country is more deserted there." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "But how will you look?"