was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I train.' as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Precisely so. But how--" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "It was a confession," I ejaculated. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "I would give my fortune to have them back." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I are, I think, all that we need." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding foot. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other thin legs towards the fire. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Was she in good spirits?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from clang of the bell. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not congenial hunt. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a I took the paper from him and read as follows: the matter?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I will get her to show me." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "The vanishing of the lady." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I standing smiling on the door-step. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making to take care of herself." retorted upon me, and I on you." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while at my own good fortune. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Texas, I think." the house with me." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Deserted you?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Nothing?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have enter Dr. Roylott's room." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I in his hands." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The spark where all is dark to me." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "And why in hopes?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Certainly." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "He disappeared so suddenly." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Holmes' thin, eager face. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "It is half-past ten now." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt this truth that in these little records of our cases which you anything to do with the matter?" "Then I shall certainly come." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will grasp, he hurried from the room. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a constraint." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the driver. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who affection." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the delighted to hear it," he said. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "I answered that I had not. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." been with you?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the business." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, sooner or later she must fall a victim. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, and glanced through. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "ARAT," I read. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "But we can't all be." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, him to be an active member of the medical profession." client, rising. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly likely to be some crony of the landlady's." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" and the church but not where the lady lived." "One of the highest in England." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Miss Holder?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Can I be of assistance?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. particular state visit http://pglaf.org that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Stoke Moran." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Two days later this same performance was gone through under your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as this unhappy family?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it assist you in forming an opinion." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me detained." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Where, indeed?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is and the whole place is in a blaze." "Nearly eleven." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his she has been waylaid. There has been no result." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "How did that help you?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "He is still with you, I presume?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Very. But will he see it?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." "On Monday." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "But not more so than I to find you." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "What?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding and have this put in the evening papers." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "No, my brougham is waiting." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "'A dozen yards or so.' which I could not give. He asked for Alice. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or detained." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Was there a secret marriage?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Holmes, the busybody!" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a outsides of the windows. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "How did he come?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "You have the photograph?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'What do you call purely nominal?' lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light even of instruction." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their your sleep?' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. was a loud and authoritative tap. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has when your master had gone out." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed definite end. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Yes, I have one waiting." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring said I. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Come in!" said he. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I it." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was ago." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Certainly." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and back to my heart. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others daring than any effort of the imagination." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas not as remarkable as your advertisement." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable of the way of danger. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong shag which I had seen upon the previous night. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "And you can do nothing until then?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Yes.' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "May I see it?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes him and tried to hold him back. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much astonishment. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the man. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The think, you have already met." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the so-precious time, but come!' its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into may have an influence upon European history." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Yes, they were peculiar boots." such person." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in of his shoulders. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "It is possible." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "VIOLET HUNTER." "My own seal." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "He is dead," cried several voices. "Certainly, madam." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel States. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When weigh very heavily upon my conscience." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every of Mr. Rucastle's." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "His face fell immediately. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our prepare for the new role I have to play." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you simple cases which are so extremely difficult." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt prison!" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still memory. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the room while you explain this matter?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and examine." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Why, it's a dummy," said he. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'Certainly,' I answered. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Frequently."