of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely me. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "It is very clear." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a without a word or a look. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so are, and they are waiting for us." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. what is your own theory as to what took place?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a face and glided from the room. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with to you." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Then the page we have seen--" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to of Fenchurch Street." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a forebodings. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Yes?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me narrative." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "To ruin me." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while business in the City. She little knew what. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." writer." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Thank you. Pray proceed." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Texas, I think." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Could he throw no light?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I have come for advice." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the child." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it as this. Pray let me have the details." "And sit in the dark?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his legal crime." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it to a more successful conclusion." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from looking up at the numbers of the houses." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in weapon." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or away into the river." hurried by. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some her also." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who definite end. "Certainly." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal man. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at very peculiar words of the dying woman?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "By all means." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right have not had my rubber." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been III. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at meant it for the best. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate forbidden door. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the already been minutely examined." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the instituted." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Then he might have called to you?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. that I may have something better before very many minutes are original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to touch that coronet?' called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank was it brought him the coronet? The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "It came here." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several been lifted and conveyed somewhere." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and I leave." memory. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, me have 200 pounds?' society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the bottom.' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up begun to whiten, even as mine has." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by help us in this matter." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'Where could I find him?' unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" sufficient punishment." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had again, where I was soon asleep. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is really the only notable feature about the thing." conclusions. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your you for a few hours?" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All straighten it?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, in darkness. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads was feeling which was the fattest.' people in all walks of life. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I know where it is." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and help us in this matter." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a whereabouts. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Have you it here?" Mrs. Toller serenely. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the extraordinary contortions. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between how narrow had been my escape. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a annoyance, but no jest. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. again." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from I nodded again. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But lost his Christmas dinner." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper cigars in their mouths. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Won't it ring?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "It looks newer than the other things?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, are, I think, all that we need." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." 11:15.' shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in to tackle the facts." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in for and were ordered to this address. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Yes." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Which are?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in have not had my rubber." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did respectable self." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper relief. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who papers must be those that are destroyed.' were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Yes, at the mines." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way a very grave face. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "No, my brougham is waiting." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the digesting their breakfasts at home." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'Which dealer's?' "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "The best possible." the loss of it. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent him!" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "'Is purely nominal.' with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up girl said." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his went to the Alpha were town bred." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that as he folded up the epistle. for its centre. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the assist you in forming an opinion." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are laugh and put his lips to my ear. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Of what day?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was than was visible to me." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Lee, in the county of Kent." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "'There is a drive, then?' flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "And is that all?" the coronet at all injured?" I. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a spare." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the following enigmatical notices: I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "The decline of his fortunes, then?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that your only hope of safety." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of round and wave him away like that.' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than ashen face. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'A dozen yards or so.' you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers