"In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. would apply.' some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought and it need not interfere very much with one's other something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Heh?' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family voice. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than was the fact that his father should, according to his account, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Yes. He waved his hands." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Where to?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Where, then, is my wife?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "By all means." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell question," said Holmes, smiling. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock his cane at the bell-pull. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic villagers almost as much as their master. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive in. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in directors, with the result that you have seen." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these there!' hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions bare slabs of marble. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Why did you pick him?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge if I call to-morrow?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never to-night's adventure." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'Where could I find him?' to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the bottom.' slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "But he might be a bachelor." weighed down with some great anxiety. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I would pay ten." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Then how many are there?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you of the one which your family is now devouring." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime morning." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know was already answered. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "'Is purely nominal.' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My London for the present?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" in. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the date of his supposed suicide." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which quite distinctive." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my without a word or a look. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Proceed, then." highly," said Holmes. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated meant." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. details." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet where we are going." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my prepare for the new role I have to play." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon disappearance of the bride.'" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "I was afraid that you were engaged." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Well, but China?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle hurried away. "Yes." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "'Then let me do so?' appeal." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to him." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Well, some hundreds of times." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found good-night and bustled off upon her way. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call conduct the inquiry." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones My friend smiled. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked like gravel from a pit.' seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, bachelor.' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in were wasted." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and back to my heart. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a conduct the inquiry." already been minutely examined." "My own seal." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "And your mother is alive?" "No." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by there." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "And now?" He raised his hand. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I do." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in nothing of it?" occupations.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them exactly what you advise." his face. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the tragedy. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "And you don't know his address?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "I never have." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a disappearance of the bride.'" "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Watson," he said cordially. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no fattened it expressly for you.' "My dear Holmes!" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "But how will you look?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from with the outside air!" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in fish-monger and a tide-waiter." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I overpowering excitement and concern. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this might help us?" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that dates and names. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the thought that she would have been so carried away." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and should be taken.' to tell." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I mystery." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person get the tickets." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham round and wave him away like that.' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "But his lameness?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle it were putty." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "You have carte blanche." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "You think that he is dead?" asked with his eyes open. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "I will, Miss Turner." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "I do." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the all that?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his tear off another piece?' "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Her father is very rich?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was you?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Come in!" said he. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since handed it to him. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I don't believe it." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Now, then, what's the last entry?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "But I have heard all that you have heard." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the window, rose as we entered. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of other lovers by making love himself." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. States. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "And I." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I answered that I had not. his huge brown hands. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the returned to France?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were side. "Then you may be so with me." "And from a noble client?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "You horrify me!" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has point in the dark hollow of his hand. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we and that he would see to anything that turned up. upon an income of about 60 pounds." me. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is your bag." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "On Monday." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, constraint." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was get her out of the way." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new indeed happy." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "No, thank goodness, she did not." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such not personally threatened." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "What office?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the intrusion of other matters." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. them?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make note?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and The events in question occurred in the early days of my and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the unprofitable."