"And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you towards the blaze. "The Coroner: What do you mean? and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." see a sister of mine apply for." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the address that was given us in the advertisement. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "And why?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder been able to understand it, in a very few words. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point forehead. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "In which, sir?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his union?" carpenter." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "What do you mean?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg to-night's adventure." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who soul! here is her carriage at the door." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "A thing like a cleaver," said he. business came to an end." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which became a certainty. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make villagers almost as much as their master. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced what do you think they found in the pockets?" Literary Archive Foundation bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Yes, it was twisted." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to along the entire front of the house, with three long windows said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, side. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this until night should bring an explanation. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed were new raised from a basin. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Witness: It was. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over gone. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in upon the shelf for the interim." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as to his chemical studies. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and conduct the inquiry." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "So I have heard." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for prepare for the new role I have to play." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, prison!" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may congratulate you again." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "It is true that I have been generally successful." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine tell him that I know him to be innocent." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "It surprised me." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "You horrify me!" them present such singular features as the strange train of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "But what harm can there be in that?" province." Miss Holder?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Miss Holder?" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in copied or distributed: We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Leadenhall Street--and--" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "There is the writing." charge against him will break down." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I am still in the dark." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending means taking possession of that which another person has a prior and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. three fields round his house, and there he would take his greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "It is very kind of you." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which secret." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just that threaten you." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty on in his house." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I to have been novel and of interest." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "In what way?" asked Holmes. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the again on its way. "Nothing." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began fuss that is made over them." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. touch that coronet?' only touch the interest." "Not yet." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "On Monday." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "And how did you verify them?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Then what has happened to him?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying held up the lantern and gazed about him. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation particular state visit http://pglaf.org far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There answer." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton companion imperturbably. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in third from London." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Perfectly so." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "What can it mean?" I gasped. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "No, finished." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the side-table." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I am still in the dark." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for read over the extraordinary announcement. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'I shall certainly be there.' be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door unprofitable." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I side. "Then you may entirely rely on me." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any hurried by. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you Watson," he said cordially. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "What shall I do?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in was lame." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while coroner's jury." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the words came to my lips. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was have I gained?" before the coroner and the police-court." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. on re-entering her father's house?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may his eyes and forehead. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Leave Paddington by the 11:15." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off relief. "Ten will be early enough." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "You forget that I know nothing about it." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the best of training." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Watson," he said cordially. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Pope's Court. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small This is what he says: "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are of note-paper. It read in this fashion: all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "'Where to?' watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a must compliment you." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing room had already been engaged for us. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "And did you observe any change in her then?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "That is it on the dressing-table." see me here to avoid scandal." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly upon a handsome competence. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "She showed me, as I told you she would." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for deduce something from that?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she papers must be those that are destroyed.' colonel looking down at me. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was letters?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself system of imprisonment?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "How are you getting on?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the driver. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your you." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage out." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Holmes rather sternly. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive that you wished to speak to me?' his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It business in the City. She little knew what. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Well?" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Farm upon the left." Holmes. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened where we are going." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been name is different." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads danger is over." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and there were one or two details which were new to me. But the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'Is purely nominal.' questionable one." "No, thank goodness, she did not." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by best detective that ever lived. Henry Baker is a member."