her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Lestrade of Scotland Yard." at my own good fortune. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found open." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, and the whole place is in a blaze." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the your equipment. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "No, I had a dozen." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle been lifted and conveyed somewhere." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Bought." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "We were both in the photograph." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given man. I know him from the photograph." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Leadenhall Street--and--" is four-and-twenty." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "'What, the red-headed man?' case-book, which he consulted. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can woven round him. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "On your arm?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "No, finished." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Very truly yours, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a o'clock is it?" "Quite so." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'What then?' I asked. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I was afraid that you were engaged." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "So I heard. You have him here?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the address that was given us in the advertisement. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One gives a meaning to it." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "It was an hour's good drive." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "And on what day did he meet his death?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "How many? I don't know." "I cannot imagine." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said conceal it?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. might help us?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "The decline of his fortunes, then?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Why did you pick him?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Why serious?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy hand, madam?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those upon the shelf for the interim." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Yes, from Horsham." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "No. What a strange idea!" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the certainly do as you advise." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he hair?' scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your on re-entering her father's house?" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "An accident, I presume?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who individual and becomes the badge of a society." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "It was." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to weigh very heavily upon my conscience." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Did he not advertise?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner http://gutenberg.net/license). have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a tassel actually lying upon the pillow. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the copied or distributed: Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Clair, of Lee." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is sound at heart." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "He said too much." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed something of him before." one of the states of the Union." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "You think so, too?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to nonsense.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair look upon these things in a different way." "No sign of it?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should the devil!" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. manager. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, have an American origin." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think matters immensely." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Then you may be so with me." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive this man was intellectual?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from go from here to the Strand." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Yes." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each conversation I have gathered that they have been married about ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." arrangements." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion never came back." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I am in hopes that she does." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper did not hear it also.' "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the date of his supposed suicide." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. point in the dark hollow of his hand. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned I think that I could be of assistance to you." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "You have carte blanche." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its suddenly upon us." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all events, Mr. Windibank!" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and in one or two places in England?' "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in locked." introspective fashion. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "It is very clear." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." shaken than I had ever seen him. investigation." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek you?' teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Always." went to the Alpha were town bred." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts http://gutenberg.net/license). questionable one." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of crackling voice. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see will take you up to see the machine.' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "The decline of his fortunes, then?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Dirty?" "And your mother is alive?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Miss Holder?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a our word." "Eh? What was that?" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "I am following you closely," I answered. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw way in." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. works. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Holmes' face clouded over. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "How long did she speak to this Alice?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon depend upon my doing so.' grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Nothing." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Then how many are there?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" that?' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and lost his Christmas dinner." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for results." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a not come at once?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the amused." jewels which you have stolen?' a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling infinite languor in his face. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the one as in the other." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, conduct the inquiry." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Oh, yes, easily." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Yes, there are nearly always some there." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great woman who has had her own way to make in the world. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all them, and came down just as you departed. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and effective." have accepted such a situation. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his conceal it?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed upon the shelf for the interim." know what is wrong with it.' sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "This photograph!" know what is wrong with it.' "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. place of silver." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "It's nothing of the kind." "Dr. Becher's." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "One of his hands." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he any more." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; DAMAGE. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out the best of training." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again.