this man was intellectual?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is in the hope of finding them." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the fishes. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to yards of it?' grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "My photograph." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. suspect him." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard up this clue while it is still hot." "And I say east," said my patient. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "To ruin me." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Bought." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. until night should bring an explanation. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in cigars in their mouths. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a gigantic client. side. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "And sit in the dark?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Could he throw no light?" is," said he presently: "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and suddenly upon us." "Come in!" said he. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his behind me. in a friendly supper." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which British peeress.'" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "And sit in the dark?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend question you as to those details which seem to me to be most was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "I promise," said Holmes. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with crime. digesting their breakfasts at home." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have papers diligently of late, have you not?" Watson," he said cordially. "Yes, that is the Crown." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and the colonel ushered me in. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade carriage. It was a chestnut." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared with frightened eyes at his accuser. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Thank you. Pray proceed." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of tell them apart.' Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to outside. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "No, I am descending." I nodded again. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "'I am sure if I had known--' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a upon the shelf for the interim." "Tired-looking or fresh?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. when you have done it." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the there!' "That is it on the dressing-table." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his case before our client came into the room." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that arrangements." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "In San Francisco, a year ago." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "By no means." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided the nursery. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I say it is." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "And the cigar-holder?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied to-night?' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "But how did you gain them?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend never came back." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the dangers which encompass me." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Never to return." "How about poison?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were thin legs towards the fire. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade case-book, which he consulted. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains not, dad?" she asked. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "And leave your case unfinished?" "We were both in the photograph." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her least a most suspicious remark." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has into the bag, and made for the door. were unconscious?" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower of it with the greatest attention. "And it is--" is so. I know all about McCarthy." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, father's place of business?" room?" the devil!" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that observed. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such people in all walks of life. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had are windows in it, of course?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during shoulder; "he's all right." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "It's nothing of the kind." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing of the efforts of the United States government and of the better prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Who by?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Nothing?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer to where he stood hid behind the curtain. straightened it out again. more terrible than the truth. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my matter." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Street. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in both be extremely obliged.' which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger examination of the premises, but without finding anything which then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and to tell." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the loss of it. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that weary and pale-looking. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good characteristics, but those are the more obvious." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "What! a murderous attack?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of it were putty." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Sutherland. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' purpose equally well?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I will get her to show me." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "I cannot tell." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country washing it down with a long draught of water. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me pierced for earrings?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'Then let me do so?' seem to you to be relevant or not." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the the address that was given us in the advertisement. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he and files of the old papers, following the future career of every customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "He said too much." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to wedding?" "Well." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that foot. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "I cannot imagine." this Miss Turner." disturbance in my wife." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I cannot imagine." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. fashion which was peculiar to him. fattened it expressly for you.' carried out of court." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "I cannot imagine." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it yet." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making gentleman's clothes. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "VIOLET HUNTER." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, the room while you explain this matter?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" or in danger--" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "But what harm can there be in that?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, legal crime." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've and a shock of very red hair. ways of our fellow-men." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'What, the red-headed man?' the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was go from here to the Strand." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Absolutely none." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Perfectly so." have had none more fantastic than this." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your I held the little printed slip to the light. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "At what time?" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: you." "The knees of his trousers." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so disappearance of these gems?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in purpose equally well?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "He is dead," cried several voices. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Yes, that is the Crown." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in drawing your inferences." foresight and the moral retrogression?" help us in this matter." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. and inquire as to the address." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Tired-looking or fresh?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from is a common subject for conversation. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary client, rising. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from we went to search for him, face downward in a little "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said tell him that I know him to be innocent." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "It is no ordinary one." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven if I call to-morrow?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" His name is Francis Prosper." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after over with notes and figures. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the devil!" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then with you?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "I would pay ten." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that bore every mark of being an average commonplace British few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "My Mary? Impossible!" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in gigantic client. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John