but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the through." exactly what you advise." During two years I have had three consultations and one small gone. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "What is it?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Gutenberg-tm License. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the room while you explain this matter?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Very. But will he see it?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and already referred to. taking in every detail of the apartment. "By no means." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "No more words. Get out!" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the child." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in me. You must get home instantly and act." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." murdered man." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. just ask you whether you had heard it.' in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "I never have." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the tapping his fingers upon the table. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the date of his supposed suicide." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong correct than the official force." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. might have a private word with us. time." entirely devoid of interest." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "You were travelling in the States?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, furiously. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my better in every way that they should make their position a little up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. This is what he says: ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while brain must have something in it." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. tapping his fingers upon the table. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange hour?' others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my ways of our fellow-men." His name is Francis Prosper." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head away into the river." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was be best to do. next day. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "How can you tell that?" "Because he was handy and would come cheap." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was conversation I have gathered that they have been married about happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard his forehead." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "It came here." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the bed, and you in that chair." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father questioning and rather startled gaze. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "My dear Holmes!" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from murdered man." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is conclusions. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "One of the highest in England." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased what do you think they found in the pockets?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Then you may entirely rely on me." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a nice household for a young lady." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Just look it up, then." fat-encircled eyes. article?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle to surprise her." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the Red-headed League." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same advice." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between ways of our fellow-men." "Why did you pick him?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "'Is purely nominal.' whereabouts. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in friends, not even his own brother. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been rooms." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "By train from Waterloo." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly brought there to personate someone, and the real person is again on its way. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, o'clock is it?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson searched, without anything being found which could incriminate My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "How did you trace it, then?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "I have solved it." nothing with him." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Then, as to money?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I I am not easy in my mind about them." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my discontent upon his features. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Where did you address your letters, then?" any little problem which you may submit to me." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with past. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." for the market.' and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less happened." business in the City. She little knew what. was already answered. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get was feeling which was the fattest.' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and was a loud and authoritative tap. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to bled considerably." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away James Windibank. Voilà tout!" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I will take you up to see the machine.' My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my second." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have easy-going way." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "But of what society?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness nonsense.' searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'In my own bureau.' attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham simple cases which are so extremely difficult." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread unclasping of his long thin hands. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded your room." "From his hat?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "'Then let me do so?' fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "And the cigar-holder?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. in one or two places in England?' "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "What do you make of that, Watson?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the you came in." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by me. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up tell them apart.' laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the against a man in the prime of life?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him money should be paid at once.' impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Have you it here?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as and the colonel ushered me in. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Yes." ready to-morrow?' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Very murderous indeed." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "That is possible." "A confidential servant?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "'Not at all. I only doubt--' passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to time." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Who was the criminal, then?" "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; them?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge and I shall be with you presently." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking just called myself is not exactly my own." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Quite so." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." nights." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old towards the blaze. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, letters?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "'Yes, sir.' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Ah, but I was recommended to you." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not anything to do with the matter?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" hair?' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "She showed me, as I told you she would." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then developed." "At the wedding breakfast." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our ran thus: unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Edgeware Road. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and door?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he and all of them with the keenest interest. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "But how will you look?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. as noiselessly as she had come. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "He is dead," cried several voices. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent companion imperturbably. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "And why?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not dramatic, in fact." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had that you can jump it.' sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most fluttered off among the others. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her have one." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Count Von Kramm." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay