way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that October 9, 1890. such attractions and accomplishments?' "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Serpentine Avenue. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the standing smiling on the door-step. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Entirely." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "You have compromised yourself seriously." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Well." criminal. We have already had experience of such." some water from a caraffe. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "None." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush friends, not even his own brother. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the keep the flames under. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then correct than the official force." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will at once, for I have only half an hour." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I hereditary King of Bohemia." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is get her out of the way." seen the man in the road." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I fear not." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." little trying to do so much typewriting?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, prisoner's face. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the your own bird, so if you wish--" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative depend upon your compliance." fashion which was peculiar to him. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and to a more successful conclusion." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. stammered. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen away into the river." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and II. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" cause to be." unprecedented a position." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of bachelor.' "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "This photograph!" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose tell me that you intended to go into harness." started for the Temple to see my husband. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might his grey eyes. During two years I have had three consultations and one small stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an business came to an end." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of in. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "To an English lawyer named Norton." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in despaired of." meant." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the coroner's jury." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'Is purely nominal.' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Yes." photograph?" had this final quarrel? "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." call it cruel." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "And from a noble client?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried tear off another piece?' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "You saw the ventilator, too?" "But you have hopes?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very been shamefully used." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a the coronet at all injured?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but in his hands." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "'What, the red-headed man?' "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "And the murderer?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "She told me to ask you." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "I say that I have solved it." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard giving me time to thank him. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "But I have heard all that you have heard." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest recover the gem." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept enter Dr. Roylott's room." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Clair, of Lee." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "'It is locked up,' I answered. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "But who is he?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been heavily into it. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of During two years I have had three consultations and one small "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the devil!" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "How did that help you?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Project Gutenberg-tm works. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Ten will be early enough." delighted to hear it," he said. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "That is it on the dressing-table." window when the police appeared." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "No sign of it?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "I warn you that they are very incomplete." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Nearly eleven." so far?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a it." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with fled together." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual country, and eventually married, without anyone having a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect ways including including checks, online payments and credit card machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "She will not sell." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." hair?' furiously. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your just called myself is not exactly my own." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a appointment with me for six o'clock?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "You horrify me." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Farm upon the left." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "May I see it?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not breakfast." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and to some other building. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. speckled band?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and side. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "So it appears." detained." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "What office?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for which we had just quitted. tightly behind him. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography humiliation." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open reach." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. me. You must get home instantly and act." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my corner of the building. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." awkward doing business with an alias." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. against a man in the prime of life?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." that I am arrested." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it late!' I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of door?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the acted in my house last night?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of do you make of it all?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness all that?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us thought that she would have been so carried away." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. of the way of danger. astonishment. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. door?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered roused himself from his reverie. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "I think that it is very probable." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired problems help me to do so." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed this unhappy family?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the drawing your inferences." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked a few minutes he said that it would be all right. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to telegram would bring me down to your help." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "'Oh, no.' "No." the loss of it. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he you?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "I came to find a friend." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "What have you to say now?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "No, my brougham is waiting." and have this put in the evening papers." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "You think that he is dead?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Stoke Moran?" said he. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always whereabouts. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. present." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Holmes. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I beg pardon." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the King without delay." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day."