located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under digesting their breakfasts at home." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "The decline of his fortunes, then?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I you found me to-night--and running through the front room she in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "How are you getting on?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Where did you address your letters, then?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had least a fellow-countryman. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may tell me that you intended to go into harness." "None." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though few hundred pounds.' He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that digesting their breakfasts at home." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Will you bet, then?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every considering the formidable letters which were received by himself we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a fuss that is made over them." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest chemical work which was so dear to him. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a passage and a tap at the door. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Then I do not see the point." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "I was mad--insane." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to corner of the building. not as remarkable as your advertisement." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at key turn in the lock." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Yes, sir." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe drove away. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms away to you." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Here?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss my little problems." Watson," he said cordially. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and looked back. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very visitors." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "It is his hat." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I my former friend and companion. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That overpowering excitement and concern. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned posted to-day." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I cannot tell." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the of them has the shutters up.' air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole matter." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have prison!" of." room had already been engaged for us. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to read it out to me." strong and stiff." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has delirious. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this went to the Alpha were town bred." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a back to my heart. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is I held the little printed slip to the light. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so over his head with a sweet womanly caress. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to stood on the top of it. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "And how did you verify them?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "That sounds a little paradoxical." to-morrow." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was companion. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little chance." questionable one." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are security.' smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Not him." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Who by?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side of Fenchurch Street." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. it." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "My opinion is in no way altered." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Then I do not see the point." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the daring than any effort of the imagination." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry of the efforts of the United States government and of the better not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the to his chemical studies. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I have a cab outside." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "How on earth--" near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence public press." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get tapping his fingers upon the table. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small enough to aid us in our search." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such From what you have told me I think that it is possible that house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his too. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." garden below. remarked. "Never." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all telegram would bring me down to your help." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this disturbance in my wife." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. meant." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the general public were present, then?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the you for a few hours?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Then what has happened to him?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is within hail.' reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "'Is purely nominal.' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, you." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time walking." hurried by. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked place of silver." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "But not more so than I to find you." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution passage and a tap at the door. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "By train from Waterloo." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally burst into a hearty fit of laughter. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the room while you explain this matter?" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "What I expected to see." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the it. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that true." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which could gather together that I was able to avert another public to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the nursery. hereditary King of Bohemia." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "I cannot tell." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you congenial hunt. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room occupations.' branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a of fine shops and stately business premises that they really new acquaintance to Baker Street. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Tired-looking or fresh?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his some place of shelter and let the county police know what has not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to the child." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with prisoner's face. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "They are typewritten," I remarked. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "You have a clue?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now and I shall be with you presently." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all for securing the situation." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, round and wave him away like that.' "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." would then never go into court at all." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Sutherland?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an already been minutely examined." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "No, distinctly professional." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "I beg pardon." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Yes, sir." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it had formerly been in part my own. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of fasten all the windows?" see a sister of mine apply for." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his delirious. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little ill-usage at the hands of fortune. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is purpose equally well?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely any more." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream assist you in forming an opinion." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I