the house with me." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "A greater distance to travel." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and I think that I could be of assistance to you." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day know what is wrong with it.' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Absolutely?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court this poor creature." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day plantation.' the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of your most interesting statement." address. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I cannot say that I have." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this friends, not even his own brother. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove directly by questioning you." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel disturbance in my wife." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Here?" was a loud and authoritative tap. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical sufficient punishment." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the was it brought him the coronet? my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "I never have." chill to my heart. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it himself in a perplexing position. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few events than those which have happened in my own family." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon writers could invent nothing more crude." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "But how?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. during which he might have communicated with his friend the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Quite so." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Yes?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. carriage. It was a chestnut." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Lee, in the county of Kent." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of individual and becomes the badge of a society." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, been." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just desk. asked with his eyes open. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, do." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with beg that you will break it off." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Will you go?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating you." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit true." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the you want, then?' present strange and interesting features that it is no easy time." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he at my remark. "We have tried and failed." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "No, finished." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself details." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her four million human beings all jostling each other within the be sorry for having acted so harshly." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. coat-tails." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes passage and a tap at the door. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden have accepted such a situation. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, conduct the inquiry." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose assist you in forming an opinion." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few prepare for the new role I have to play." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "No good news?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the bearing upon the case." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg with you?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." business at Coburg Square is serious." "Proceed, then." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I upon a handsome competence. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if less than 26s. 4d. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the maid will bring up your coffee." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which golden eyeglasses. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped only touch the interest." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "What then?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that me where it went to?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, forebodings. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment rat could hardly pass through." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." will be renamed. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "My private note-paper." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my point our research must commence, and we will begin it by on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more you." shoulder. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer there is a decided draught." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm not fit the lock." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'Is purely nominal.' and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "I will, Miss Turner." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Thank you. Pray proceed." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Has he come with you to-night?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Doctor, of the paper and the date." "But how?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Do you know him?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." were new raised from a basin. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "To ruin me." "But you can know nothing of this?" "Well." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would call you and give you the chance." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just in the hope of finding them." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke a little more before I quite committed myself. "'It is locked up,' I answered. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to himself in a perplexing position. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. seem to you to be relevant or not." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were to change my dress. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Yes, he did." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which interested in these little problems, and since you are good for securing the situation." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no what do you think they found in the pockets?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing if she died from some sudden fright." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. said he at last. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have key turn in the lock." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact other lovers by making love himself." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would newspaper selections." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Pray let us have it, for all that." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered place no limit on the sum I may draw." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "I see many objections to any such theory." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Ten will be early enough." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Then I shall certainly come." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. were new raised from a basin. case before our client came into the room." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has His smile broadened. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the stable lane now." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a back to my heart. "My opinion is in no way altered." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Eyford at 11:15.' remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier very morning of my second wedding." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Texas, I think." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Where did he live, then?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he a few minutes he said that it would be all right. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent key turn in the lock." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that