habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it I held the little printed slip to the light. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Where, then?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in assist you in forming an opinion." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it felt the room to be a little close.' "And why?" "There are none." "Well?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my as yours." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, him!" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who the address that was given us in the advertisement. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms bears upon the case?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and of the one which your family is now devouring." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young should be taken.' locked. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "You have a clue?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any there!' allusion to a rat. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over geese which you supplied to the Alpha." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to hands. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where infinite languor in his face. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not footfalls from the street. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." which are rolled in Rotterdam." few hundred pounds.' low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the questionable one." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special developed." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Stoke Moran?" said he. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to intrusion of other matters." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "But who is he?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a again before evening." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and following enigmatical notices: quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the date of his supposed suicide." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. next day. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the tightly behind him. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Ha! you find it so?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the sofa. This way, please!" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I entirely devoid of interest." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own it with his own hands." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Precisely." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It ways including including checks, online payments and credit card dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "By no means." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and next day. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Lee, in the county of Kent." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief not fit the lock." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Stoke Moran?" said he. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "None." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to tapping his fingers upon the table. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, observed. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." best detective that ever lived. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he persecution?" "Do you know him?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence presented which may be striking and bizarre without being purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you examine." "My opinion is in no way altered." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we writing, and yet I know it well." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being dramatic, in fact." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Never." "I am all attention, madam." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most village inn over there?" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "My private note-paper." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Street. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever I think that I could be of assistance to you." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked upon a handsome competence. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser me." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to to have been novel and of interest." "Not social, then?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Holmes. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the you?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the in one or two places in England?' me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. few hundred pounds.' "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty anything to do with the matter?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I beg pardon." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she all?" "And what then?" footfalls from the street. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after for the market.' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my without a word or a look. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert respectable self." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "So I have heard." habit of advancing money.' "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. infinite languor in his face. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We he died? practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned fait accompli?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in From what you have told me I think that it is possible that sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event papers." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too strength in the others." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential them, and came down just as you departed. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "You have the photograph?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "No, I am descending." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a the south-west, I see." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, that you wished to speak to me?' electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all strange features which were associated with the two crimes which was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Sutherland?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to few hundred pounds.' these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "No. What a strange idea!" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "No?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I here." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. said he. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Dr. Becher's." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At fuss that is made over them." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "I have solved it." despaired of." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that noting anything else of interest. vanished into the darkness. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Not him." ashen face. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'Ample.' direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are which it had come upon my father." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was arrested. You then--" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Yes, all." and a shock of very red hair. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "And did you observe any change in her then?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case one's self under obligations.' green of the new foliage. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this hour." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to these bleak autumnal evenings." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "You are all wrong." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush of the way of danger. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming memory. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than go from here to the Strand." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, it." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present where she found matters as described by the last witness. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." eat it." but preventing her from injuring another. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Yes, there are nearly always some there." before the coroner and the police-court." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Very truly yours, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Oh, yes, easily." him to go away.' with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the general public were present, then?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "When did it break out?"