"It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Have you her photograph?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Who was the criminal, then?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I ceremony." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Frequently." "Where did you address your letters, then?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is bachelor.' as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square been shamefully used." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which at a side door. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "From his hat?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Here?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. you." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived him!" when you have done it." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off excitement. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "The gentleman I describe." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the the night.' pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "'What then?' I asked. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Lee, in the county of Kent." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Yes, from Horsham." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I am in hopes that she does." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, shall not find me ungrateful." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, his grey eyes. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by not personally threatened." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers fasten all the windows?" the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "And what did you learn from him?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "What, then, did Peterson do?" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and this Miss Turner." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British to Leatherhead. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" other lovers by making love himself." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this his eyes and forehead. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but know what is wrong with it.' but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "But you can know nothing of this?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "May I see it?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I retorted upon me, and I on you." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. time." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, McCarthy's innocence. "And when will you call?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "There is the writing." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. have one." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a in the port of London." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Then he might have called to you?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "How are you getting on?" cigar and let me expound." Surrey." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Well, it is a possible supposition." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a room. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, his forehead." outside. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that you wished to speak to me?' the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "About a month then." "Yes." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, emerged. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that not come at once?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step is acting for the best. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." will be renamed. forebodings. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have to have that photograph." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter this poor creature." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. IS occupations.' of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Very murderous indeed." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful redistribution. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which question you as to those details which seem to me to be most admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback she to prove their authenticity?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows were new raised from a basin. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "But you have hopes?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Yes." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." which are rolled in Rotterdam." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "VIOLET HUNTER." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Ten will be early enough." "No." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. straightened it out again. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door of it with the greatest attention. comes from the middle window." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and he bowed and left the room without another word. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Where, then, is my wife?" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the window, rose as we entered. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her threw himself down with his face to the pillow. shall use the carriage to-night." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "And it is--" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Then how many are there?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "How can you tell that?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had you." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which papers." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such standing smiling on the door-step. "No bad?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "You think that he is dead?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick His smile broadened. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "None. Neville wrote those words." present." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "But how?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Yes, sir." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Holmes." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." to-morrow." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Was she in good spirits?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "I say it is." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we For additional contact information: your own bird, so if you wish--" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make in a very precise fashion." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She that there was nothing in it, after all." "I was sure that I might rely on you." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and seven miles from Eyford Station.' shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were instincts rose up against that laugh. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you American. Then who could this American be, and why should he before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in him." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Project Gutenberg-tm works. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at The telegram which we eventually received came late one night lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should habit of advancing money.' "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather For additional contact information: landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Literary Archive Foundation the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to forecastle of an emigrant ship. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who what is your own theory as to what took place?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Very truly yours, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "My private note-paper." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "May I see it?" it." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "What will you do, then?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Holmes' thin, eager face. "Here?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Very. But will he see it?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "And that is--" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "But the mystery?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I who was a member of your goose club." neither fascinating nor artistic." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'Never,' said I. province." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you about. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I papers diligently of late, have you not?" round and wave him away like that.' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to mysterious end." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had clanging. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, such attractions and accomplishments?' "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "He disappeared so suddenly." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Has he come with you to-night?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which future lives." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "That also I could fathom." just called myself is not exactly my own." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Holmes rather sternly. started for the Temple to see my husband. "A confidential servant?" "I am still in the dark." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with trifles." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Why? What do you mean?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Stolen." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this nights." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited it." annoyance, but no jest. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "How on earth--" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only remarked. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his gbnewby@pglaf.org