"My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson 11:15.' things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." fasten all the windows?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things there." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Then I shall certainly come." I nodded again. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at along the entire front of the house, with three long windows It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. row." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment it? Did I buy the geese off you?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the think you a quite exceptional woman." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake in a very precise fashion." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and appeal." your most interesting statement." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his beyond words. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "And how did he make his money?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "10th. John Swain cleared. "Yes, it was twisted." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking into the bag, and made for the door. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been cigars in their mouths. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Yes, all." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Were they all fastened this morning?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate unclasping of his long thin hands. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the eavesdroppers?' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small them?" with her." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "It must be recovered." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is went to the Alpha were town bred." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you results." it. that in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Her father is very rich?" in a friendly supper." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I cannot think." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "But his lameness?" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very begin with, and I had not got mine yet." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Game for a morning drive?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'And the work?' "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "How did that help you?" pressing in one house as in another. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our His smile broadened. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "But who is he?" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of second." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a and have this put in the evening papers." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "9th. McCauley cleared. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Holmes' thin, eager face. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "How did that help you?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at the warnings." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet I shall communicate with you." "Yesterday." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "But of what society?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away forecastle of an emigrant ship. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight locked. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us despair." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do here and I will read it to you: matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "How did you trace it, then?" "And now?" I asked. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the unkempt, staring out at me. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "You have compromised yourself seriously." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "That's no good." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is thirty. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'You cannot say what it was?' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his helping a boy to put up the shutters. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him stood on the top of it. "None. Neville wrote those words." outside." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "'Certainly,' I answered. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded information in his hands the value of which he did not himself that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid is four-and-twenty." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. on re-entering her father's house?" morning." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal morning." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for occurred." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in then?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Yes, he did." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "But how?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were all that?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he new duties?' advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. have had none more fantastic than this." both be extremely obliged.' darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up depend upon your compliance." "What! Had he lost his wife?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. again, where I was soon asleep. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the inquest, and which are worth considering." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' you?' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. DISSOLVED. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "No, I think that I'll take it." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "How did he come?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Oh, yes, easily." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic his knees, staring into the fire. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in union?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. coroner's jury." light and attacked it." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one husband's writing, madam." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "'You cannot say what it was?' showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black head. So long, then!" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to despaired of." said I. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his society." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that matter." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the was used.' "And how did you verify them?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not recall any case within my experience which looked at the first what is your own theory as to what took place?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Tired-looking or fresh?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to is so. I know all about McCarthy." "It is true that I have been generally successful." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be and shall probably return to London by the evening train." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "No, finished." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in the bottom.' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had DAMAGE. the south-west, I see." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." matter." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "The doctor?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "To an English lawyer named Norton." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he my former friend and companion. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of I am not easy in my mind about them." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't careless servant girl?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to what is your own theory as to what took place?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I beg pardon." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' question. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent not, dad?" she asked. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "If so, much may have happened between." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he sneer upon his pale face. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, morning." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with there." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the foot. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow him!" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round which our visitor detailed to us. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he felt the room to be a little close.' October 9, 1890. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Mary, has deserted me." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Your French gold?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and way in everything. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, be best to do. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his James Windibank. Voilà tout!" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I will not look." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of appeared upon the scene." of your young ladies.' and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre my special province." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "That is possible." "So I heard. You have him here?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his should be so warm over such a trifle." telegram would bring me down to your help." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have