"Yes." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I answered that I had not. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "It is possible." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when already referred to. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." indeed happy." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "'What then?' I asked. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since questioning and rather startled gaze. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "It is possible." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is is now desirous of getting those letters back." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which in the port of London." happened." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a back into the street. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "One?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in with you alone." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a the morning and make my own way in the world.' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "You think so, too?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as made him keep the appointment." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Is he quiet?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with head. So long, then!" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from interests were the same as his." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again carriage. It was a chestnut." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "No." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or do.' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Precisely." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a chair. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "But you can know nothing of this?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and examine." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from them, and came down just as you departed. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Sutherland. "Yes, it would be as well." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a carried out of court." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had again on its way. Street. "But not more so than I to find you." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very purpose equally well?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and not, dad?" she asked. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, orange pips. speckled band?" "Then I can wait in the next room." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free suggested at once that there must be a communication between the call you and give you the chance." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with to surprise her." and the church but not where the lady lived." to-night?' Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the matters immensely." "We must have a cab." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace one which it was hard to resist. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I bonnet, and went out." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in one of them." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself I was concerned in it." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. feature." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular husband's writing, madam." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, to arrive at through this?" touch that coronet?' glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch coroner's jury." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had wife's character?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of despaired of." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but would apply.' on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a appeared upon the scene." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Holmes' face clouded over. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "'Entirely.' of the vacancies.' leave you to your papers for a little." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Holmes rather sternly. in him." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Yes." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to question. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Oh, fresh and glossy." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the good-night and bustled off upon her way. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" do.' he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I should like to see him very much." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though mystery!" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very at my remark. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There from the brougham. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "And you can do nothing until then?" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the would then never go into court at all." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! furiously. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a British peeress.'" to me. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a hand, madam?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I approach us with offers to donate. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch within hail.' bill, which interests me deeply." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my that you wished to speak to me?' am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "You were travelling in the States?" there." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Of what?" "Come in!" said Holmes. hair?' of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a friend's singular character. fluttered off among the others. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our photograph?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of speckled band?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Gutenberg-tm License. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "How did that help you?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I am in hopes that she does." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the became a certainty. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "The decline of his fortunes, then?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering were unconscious?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough The summons was a brief and urgent one. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "That also I could fathom." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is goes." "It is solved." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. ran thus: from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It were wasted." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Then, as to money?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl you." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Deserted you?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third acquaintance?" "Perfectly so." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers you." made his money." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his into her hand at the door and which lured her within their was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. hands. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Always." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the with you?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how woman who has had her own way to make in the world. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "No legal papers or certificates?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Do you go out much in society?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Stoke Moran?" said he. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very you understand?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all business." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are she used." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Street. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "And for present expenses?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "What do you make of that, Watson?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." to have been novel and of interest." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "No, my brougham is waiting." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I cannot say that I have." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den,