"'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "His face fell immediately. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "At what time?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Where, then?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson to me. seem to you to be relevant or not." most interesting one." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "That is it on the dressing-table." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same once more to my work. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was seen the man in the road." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Ah!" standing smiling on the door-step. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "The landlord of the Alpha." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag washing it down with a long draught of water. stepfather?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "What do you mean?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the loss of it. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw were wasted." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed started for the Temple to see my husband. whole matter to your consideration." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late with you alone." "Yes." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I face and glided from the room. shoulder; "he's all right." "Where, then?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five in darkness. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in and put his glass in his pocket. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Did your wife hear all this?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in within hail.' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that companion imperturbably. Countess of Morcar's?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Where to?" gentleman's clothes. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, lamp in his hand. "One?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Did you observe the colour?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would in him." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your rooms." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "'Never,' said I. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became tell him that I know him to be innocent." "You have the photograph?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" get the tickets." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Yes. He waved his hands." "'What then?' I asked. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "And you can do nothing until then?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid miles off. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'It is locked up,' I answered. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they bird of prey. tell him that I know him to be innocent." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which new duties?' I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or was a loud and authoritative tap. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, obstinate." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before him." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" trying to your nerves." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we I leave." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length light and attacked it." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. morning." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my From what you have told me I think that it is possible that look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at what do you think they found in the pockets?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the hopeless attempt at recovering them." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Then he might have called to you?" "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, like that before?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the said he. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has think that he is innocent?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door even so self-evident a thing as that." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive more terrible than the truth. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "I warn you that they are very incomplete." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then help us in this matter." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "And how did you verify them?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you bedroom door." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "So I have heard." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary even of instruction." to-night." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Yes, the wine-cellar." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Texas, I think." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the quick march!" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he or in danger--" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up what I may call a really hard day's work." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, could go. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son room?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. wanted for ourselves." said he. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "By train from Waterloo." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his photograph a cabinet?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some papers." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had matter over." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I will not look." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the paper in the air. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached breakfast?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother and laid it on the table. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "That is unusual in a young girl." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "You have compromised yourself seriously." morning." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in weighed down with some great anxiety. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon hair?' "When did it break out?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he be. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Did you become engaged then?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the noble correspondent could be. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried neither fascinating nor artistic." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Then I do not see the point." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his followed. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" interests were the same as his." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "And the murderer?" you in yours." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the tragedy. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Yes." His name is Francis Prosper." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' you in your example." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a sparkled upon his finger. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." than was visible to me." deduce something from that?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. indiscretion." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to there is a decided draught." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their sake, don't!" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us public press." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in James Windibank. Voilà tout!" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Never." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it hard-headed British jury." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Project Gutenberg-tm works. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. knowledge of the world." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the man. foot. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite girl said." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Pray continue your narrative." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "How can you tell that?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Very well, sir. And this stone?" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "And what did you see?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "What! a murderous attack?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly be sorry for having acted so harshly." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." again before evening." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." maid will bring up your coffee." fishes. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I happened." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "It is half-past ten now." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a crime." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in used to be." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "How did you trace it, then?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' sofa. This way, please!" morning." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he did not hear it also.' at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Nor running a chance of arrest?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the outbreak?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Now, then, what's the last entry?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that works. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was