"'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "An accident, I presume?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what into the bag, and made for the door. point in the dark hollow of his hand. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her do you make of it all?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "The knees of his trousers." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Do you go out much in society?" "'And the work?' opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Well, some hundreds of times." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "He is dead," cried several voices. chambers. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a train.' contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was enter into my head. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for bird of prey. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in it. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, train.' "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "But to whom?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "'What, the red-headed man?' cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that our word." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the warnings." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Where does the thing come from?' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which impression behind it as though a window had gently closed be. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "But the mystery?" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, better grown goose." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his you in yours." "I will get her to show me." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at unprecedented a position." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Stolen, then." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of envelope. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed introspective fashion. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Nearly eleven." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in you?' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled open." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came in my life." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about lids now and glanced across at his visitor. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening and effective." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the I held the little printed slip to the light. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, which we had just quitted. "It's nothing of the kind." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "In answer to an advertisement." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project is four-and-twenty." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a colonel looking down at me. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. into the room. fluttered off among the others. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of comes from the middle window." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I think it very unlikely." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "I promise," said Holmes. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt clanging. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not you in your example." posted to-day." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Then what has happened to him?" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "We were both in the photograph." fait accompli?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Entirely." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which the roots. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Then, as to money?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "But you were on a friendly footing?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I said Mr. Holder. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "You saw the ventilator, too?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the south, for the country is more deserted there." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This present." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "What! Had he lost his wife?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival dates and names. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could purpose equally well?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had maid will bring up your coffee." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, room had already been engaged for us. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am you." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the breakfast?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, eat it." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "I say it is." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't that you wished to speak to me?' was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk long narrative. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that ways of our fellow-men." during which he might have communicated with his friend the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner to miss it." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "A confidential servant?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But there." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "In San Francisco, a year ago." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day begin with, and I had not got mine yet." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the bell. Holmes whistled. to talk it over. him to go away.' third from London." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. coroner's jury." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a strode off upon his way. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault nonsense.' in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took there!' "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry on re-entering her father's house?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "But she will refuse." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties his eyes and forehead. "You don't mind breaking the law?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "What are they?" "My dear Holmes!" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Bought." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his my little problems." note?" respectable self." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. sound at heart." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an shadow pass over his face as I spoke. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in think that he is innocent?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Who by?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "The best possible." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the running down." "It is half-past ten now." "That is easily got." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a paper in the air. or in danger--" in the port of London." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods it." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the one as in the other." said he. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending assist you in forming an opinion." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a point in the dark hollow of his hand. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" even of instruction." the King without delay." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. I think that I could be of assistance to you." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt upon the sideboard." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I will get her to show me." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it prison!" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which matter over." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their will take you up to see the machine.' twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to meant." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as derbies." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for be.' Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the roused himself from his reverie. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Pray do so." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project empty. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "It was a confession," I ejaculated. of a light. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite better grown goose." "I am sure." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would upon the sideboard." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the footfalls from the street. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the over part of the map. "What do you read?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "What is it, then--a fire?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "So I am. Very much so." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. least a fellow-countryman. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the to a light-house. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are present." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Never." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, asked with his eyes open. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He your troubles." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and once more for Briony Lodge. of the vacancies.' younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an it with his own hands." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" here." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "But how did you gain them?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at will he say when he returns?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "That also I could fathom." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Game for a morning drive?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, noble correspondent could be. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine."