other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had their singular warning or token before them when starting upon respectable self." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Yes." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of matter." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the window, rose as we entered. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front only touch the interest." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that carried out of court." "What can it mean?" I gasped. the window, rose as we entered. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "No bad?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" meanly of me." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as assist you in forming an opinion." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg individual and becomes the badge of a society." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the nursery. morning." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the station." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "I should be immensely obliged to you." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered said I. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Munro.' Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: returned to France?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you back alive. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Did your wife hear all this?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our when your master had gone out." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned shall use the carriage to-night." is acting for the best. him. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more arrested. You then--" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and tapping his fingers upon the table. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you I held the little printed slip to the light. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon matter." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "I fear not." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should advice." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" arrangements." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss fishes. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in guilty one." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me lamp in his hand. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "But you can know nothing of this?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" anything to do with the matter?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in or in danger--" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature someone who had been in Australia." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "We must have a cab." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Then you may be so with me." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted rose-bushes. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, green of the new foliage. "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; strength." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Stolen, then." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for chance." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally fear." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." dead, shall be safe with us." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length away to you." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a without success. At last the little money which I had saved began table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it cost them two and thirty pounds." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "But how?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a are windows in it, of course?" "'I have already given you my word.' and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in bachelor.' fuss that is made over them." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young your troubles." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner might have a private word with us. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists and no precautions can guard against." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the matter?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime down. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. in the hope of finding them." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite evidence," I remarked. tapping his fingers upon the table. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution following enigmatical notices: play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Then you may entirely rely on me." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Lee, in the county of Kent." weapon." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't and effective." train.' more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he the coronet at all injured?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "No?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He is so. I know all about McCarthy." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I thought that she would have been so carried away." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on fled together." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who directly by questioning you." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Yes." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Certainly." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "To ruin me." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls recover the gem." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Holmes' face clouded over. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length little trying to do so much typewriting?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Precisely." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had foot. "It's nothing of the kind." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Will you go?" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Mrs. Toller serenely. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "But I am all in the dark." dates and names. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which my friend's incisive reasoning. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, was keenly on my guard against him. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter friend's singular character. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to do.' fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "I would give my fortune to have them back." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may you in yours." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a your own bird, so if you wish--" "Nothing." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some know what is wrong with it.' a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was yards of it?' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "And how did you verify them?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. least a most suspicious remark." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "'Yes.' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there prove to be little relation between the different incidents of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My mystery." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it retorted upon me, and I on you." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from him, that man would not have given me such complete information settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." a suggestive one." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Never." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? to miss it." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. outside. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice congratulate you again." waste of energy." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "In the cells." to-morrow." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the neither fascinating nor artistic." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The conclusions. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "I beg pardon." "If so, much may have happened between." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Yesterday." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence case before our client came into the room." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It papers diligently of late, have you not?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "What is it, then--a fire?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Then how many are there?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. one which it was hard to resist. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "A greater distance to travel." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you and files of the old papers, following the future career of every half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Nor running a chance of arrest?" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "And how did you find out?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Pray let us have it, for all that." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "No?" and the church but not where the lady lived." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but presume?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is you in yours." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet society." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But