dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner think that he is innocent?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently business at Coburg Square is serious." "I shall be delighted." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we conclusions. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few my secret was safe in his possession. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "What then?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Pool. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Nothing." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "'Yes, sir.' I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To into the room. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." that I may have something better before very many minutes are He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the or other trace. But how on earth--" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before tied." once more. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "No, distinctly professional." you want, then?' that threaten you." "'Quite sure, dad.' wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, footfalls from the street. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "I don't believe it." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or again." carried out of court." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "I have come for advice." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Perhaps I have." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the coronet in his hands?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "No, I think that I'll take it." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Was he the only applicant?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an me." there in twenty minutes." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Yes, there are nearly always some there." which our visitor detailed to us. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the best of training." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from me where it went to?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Well." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face bonnet, and went out." to a light-house. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird becomes even more simple." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "I am all attention, madam." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier Clair, of Lee." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, night.' said he. "Well, but China?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are them?" felt the room to be a little close.' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us of it with the greatest attention. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "You have it, sir, just as it happened." nothing with him." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Not particularly." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Were they all fastened this morning?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at passage and a tap at the door. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb chemical work which was so dear to him. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more remarked. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "My photograph." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face some terrible trap for her." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "To ruin me." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was done what I asked you, Jones?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'And what salary do you ask?' which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The gbnewby@pglaf.org glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "You did not overhear what they said?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of For additional contact information: scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I crowd. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he closely." "Holmes, the busybody!" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "The vanishing of the lady." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and looked back. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as some water from a caraffe. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to best detective that ever lived. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Holmes, the busybody!" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Never." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us character. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, in this way: Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We time." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was of the one which your family is now devouring." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned tell me that you intended to go into harness." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington your troubles." "I have hopes." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging held up the lantern and gazed about him. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad some terrible trap for her." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Eh? What was that?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "And leave your case unfinished?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "You are hungry," I remarked. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or advice." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "And did you observe any change in her then?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, indeed happy." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three During two years I have had three consultations and one small "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "My stepfather's business papers." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." helping a boy to put up the shutters. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Will you go?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue are windows in it, of course?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Then, as to money?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and it." furiously. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San pierced for earrings?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that he died? "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "How often?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Yes?" "You think that he is dead?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Come in!" said he. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Witness: Nothing definite. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord for securing the situation." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and overpowering excitement and concern. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Your French gold?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope hour." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I crime." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Yes." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "No. His orders were to stay in the house." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works of a light. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are giving me time to thank him. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Arthur Conan Doyle sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "And from a noble client?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the date of his supposed suicide." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was indeed which he could not unravel. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like was once confined in the cab my mission was practically tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our ran thus: his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It mysterious business." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Has he come with you to-night?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your triumphant cloud from his cigarette. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." nothing of it?" eat it." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "No, thank goodness, she did not." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there himself. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my joking. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! public press." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. sooner or later she must fall a victim. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of delighted to hear it," he said. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange noise which awoke you from your sleep?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Then what has happened to him?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, thin legs towards the fire. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "I was mad--insane." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's tell them apart.' "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, retorted upon me, and I on you." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Where, then?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Gutenberg-tm License. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." his cane at the bell-pull. to-night?" I asked. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Where, then, is my wife?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "She told me to ask you." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning yet." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is that there was nothing in it, after all." undoubtedly my uncle's." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the enough to aid us in our search." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one sofa. This way, please!" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "How did that help you?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. records." "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Munro.' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, have had none more fantastic than this." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There John Swain, of St. Augustine. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between