the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf distance from the station, and there we found the young lady dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, before, for it was considerably after midnight. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton sit on the left-hand side of the driver." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Ample." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "At the wedding breakfast." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Perhaps I have." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Witness: Nothing definite. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. crackling voice. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Yes, at the mines." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I know where it is." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would this remarkable episode. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of swore that no one else had been in the front room during the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an other lovers by making love himself." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name DAMAGE. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'In my own bureau.' Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Really! You surprise me." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a http://gutenberg.net/license). and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Dark enough and sinister enough." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. business matters.' danger is over." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Is he quiet?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "And what did you see?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no read it out to me." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." front of me. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "It's nothing of the kind." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "No, my brougham is waiting." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "But what harm can there be in that?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I fear not." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers singular points about the case. What did the police think of the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I But Holmes shook his head gravely. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the side-table." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'And what are they worth?' I asked. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose recover the gem." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Really! You surprise me." "I am armed." at home. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about a little more before I quite committed myself. unprofitable." towards the blaze. "How did you trace it, then?" "You are certainly joking, Holmes." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever strength." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a must compliment you." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to that he has suffered." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, past. "Here?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my his knees, staring into the fire. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Certainly." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "My opinion is in no way altered." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each crowd. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in disappearance of these gems?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "And the cigar-holder?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "It is solved." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger joking. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Certainly." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her through." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my particular state visit http://pglaf.org daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "His face fell immediately. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Of what?" do.' how narrow had been my escape. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" may have an influence upon European history." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had For additional contact information: one's self under obligations.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his enough to aid us in our search." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." passage and a tap at the door. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Sutherland. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Whose house is it?" bonnet, and went out." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of will not take me long to tell. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can during the last few years, and there are many noble families to threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "He said that you could solve anything." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Why did you beat the pavement?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and capable of preserving a secret.' affair. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I in a very precise fashion." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I think it very unlikely." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "A call for help, you thought?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There me. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California had picked up in the wood. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something appeal." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" with you?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present chair. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the south-west, I see." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell made his money." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at throat." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and closely." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or companion. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "'Very good.' "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek be there in time for your coming." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'Ten to two.' few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which hurried away. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is but preventing her from injuring another. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "What! a murderous attack?" power." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? murdered man." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all of fine shops and stately business premises that they really accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so pierced for earrings?" had a long day." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Stoke Moran?" said he. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I should be immensely obliged to you." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." wedding?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts as yours." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "What, then, did Peterson do?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of hair?' consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could things are very often connected not with the larger but with the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I following enigmatical notices: "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Project Gutenberg-tm works. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Does that suggest anything?" to a light-house. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea question. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "From his hat?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Yes, they were peculiar boots." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds over part of the map. "What do you read?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." newspaper selections." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in bears upon the case?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I have seen the police." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, never to learn it at all." "Not in a good cause." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front off." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the foot. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the loss of it. "But she will refuse." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." long narrative. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled begin with, and I had not got mine yet." me have 200 pounds?' fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Quite so." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "How many? I don't know." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, but China?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Your presence might be invaluable." any more." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds