"Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but direction." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "'No, I know no one in these parts.' fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Perfectly so." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Nothing." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and he died? ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' dead, shall be safe with us." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining throat." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "What can it mean?" I gasped. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual of this gang." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here unkempt, staring out at me. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "I see no marks." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked right! Sit down and let us talk it over." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in remarked. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had instituted." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House his face which made him a very different person to the round, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has system of imprisonment?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable to-night?" I asked. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'And what salary do you ask?' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "What can it mean?" I gasped. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Yes." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of will be renamed. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were at my own good fortune. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. could gather together that I was able to avert another public might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "'There is a drive, then?' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." in the hope of finding them." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "How do you know, then?" sound at heart." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." I have it here in my museum." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got it." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was way in everything. money should be paid at once.' "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" galvanised. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. it right.' "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into bachelor.' "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped companion quietly. "The Coroner: What do you mean? garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of have accepted such a situation. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "When did it break out?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Well, it is a possible supposition." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "It is half-past ten now." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, done what I asked you, Jones?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "And leave your case unfinished?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Yes." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "That was it, sir." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Oh, fresh and glossy." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue question. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich to you." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Ah!" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Foundation unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in read it out to me." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "'Ten to two.' in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite there has been an enclosure here!" think that any burglar could have done. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he you in your example." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any cigars in the box." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was mysterious end." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon where she found matters as described by the last witness. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some spark where all is dark to me." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little brandy and water within his reach. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my of it with the greatest attention. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "But I am all in the dark." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with hour." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "By no means." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the works. See paragraph 1.E below. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. keep the flames under. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." suddenly upon us." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and he. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from outsides of the windows. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building presented which may be striking and bizarre without being his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and voice, changing her seat as requested. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it in a friendly supper." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the been with you?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. confronted him. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "No, distinctly professional." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. husband's writing, madam." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end me." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us them?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried with the outside air!" redistribution. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian said he. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, questionable one." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I am all attention, madam." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a best detective that ever lived. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "It is very clear." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal better in every way that they should make their position a little particular state visit http://pglaf.org Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at chemical work which was so dear to him. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." drove away. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he never came back." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Never to return." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. which was all perfectly true. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second direction." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Stoke Moran." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Pray do so." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, discontent upon his features. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Do you know him?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To who was a member of your goose club." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in my special province." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would all?" daring than any effort of the imagination." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round meant it for the best. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "I am armed." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have bonnet, and went out." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his was lame." to me. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire letters?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear until night should bring an explanation. visitors." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies morning."