ourselves in the office." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." chill to my heart. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "I cannot say that I have." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "'Ten to two.' "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say to-night." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical this unhappy family?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "No bad?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. cheerful." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "But how did you gain them?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think you in yours." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with morning." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the running down." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural man. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "And you don't know his address?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the when you have done it." there is a decided draught." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Certainly." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Holmes." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most the King without delay." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite experiences." October 9, 1890. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "No, distinctly professional." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, nice household for a young lady." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "And the cigar-holder?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, directors, with the result that you have seen." place of silver." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of people in all walks of life. records." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would against a man in the prime of life?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I am sure." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in be best to do. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: one else, I think." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, key turn in the lock." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Eyford." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each observed. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we questioning and rather startled gaze. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I see many objections to any such theory." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. laugh and put his lips to my ear. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "And your mother is alive?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you yards of it?' locked." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and My friend smiled. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Pray be precise as to details," said he. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Bought." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend something of him before." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll families. Now for the facts. think that he is innocent?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It likely to be some crony of the landlady's." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the Assizes." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute I took the paper from him and read as follows: insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. weary and pale-looking. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel felt the room to be a little close.' "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over here." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the wall." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his was once confined in the cab my mission was practically firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not indeed happy." new acquaintance to Baker Street. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. what I may call a really hard day's work." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was carriage. It was a chestnut." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two other lovers by making love himself." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the sparkled upon his finger. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held get the tickets." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "No?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring During two years I have had three consultations and one small Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "By no means." placed his cuttings. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "And the murderer?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather later, upon the night of May 2nd." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "'And the work?' people don't know." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of said I. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "That is possible." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Witness: It was. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "But his lameness?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Can I be of assistance?" humiliation." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with third from London." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "By no means." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." during which he might have communicated with his friend the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the himself to tell his story. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "And now?" He raised his hand. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, feature." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "And the murderer?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. he. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "I fear not." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the house with me." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time business at Coburg Square is serious." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which noise which awoke you from your sleep?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain question. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this particular state visit http://pglaf.org and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Countess of Morcar's?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as 'please.'" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. the address that was given us in the advertisement. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Not I." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a drawing your inferences." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Thank you. Pray proceed." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. to me. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Where did you address your letters, then?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in you." of it with the greatest attention. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are his grey eyes. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem you understand?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, problems help me to do so." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly himself. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but I think that I could be of assistance to you." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "But his left-handedness." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar fatally injured? mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "'Why that?' I asks. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely vanished into the darkness. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at and files of the old papers, following the future career of every weighed down with some great anxiety. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, quick march!" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Yes." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "The Coroner: What do you mean? that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Yes." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten and files of the old papers, following the future career of every speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." writer." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" she used." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of indeed which he could not unravel. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had chance." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But introspective fashion. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Ah!" your most interesting statement." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over leaning back in his chair. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'Not at all. I only doubt--' The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in he. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, this poor creature." "No sign of it?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring lumber-room." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the like gravel from a pit.' Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike crime. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "I know where it is." time." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Yes, the wine-cellar." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the observed. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. writing, and yet I know it well."