"There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and fasten all the windows?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his that, and I came down." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 your co-operation." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. I think that I could be of assistance to you." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, you?' "Why, it's a dummy," said he. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but confronted him. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "I have my revolver," said I. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how use an arc-and-compass breastpin." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two vanished into the darkness. been shamefully used." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not look dissatisfied." envelope. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He disappearance of the bride.'" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes It was close upon four before the door opened, and a we went to search for him, face downward in a little truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "I am sure." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg think that he is innocent?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Eyford at 11:15.' a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One fat-encircled eyes. husband's writing, madam." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." one of the states of the Union." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend children over to America with him, so that I found myself without at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one over part of the map. "What do you read?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Leadenhall Street--and--" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, brandy and water within his reach. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "We must sit without light. He would see it through the then?" seen the man in the road." speckled band?" business." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Never." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take was it brought him the coronet? "He said too much." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I am sure." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached unprofitable." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. outside." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. his fortune, and I went back to pa. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "I should be immensely obliged to you." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I would give my fortune to have them back." Farm upon the left." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, peculiar to him. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled colour had been driven from his face. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Count Von Kramm." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the this man was intellectual?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Who by?" astonishment. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few pound a week." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade status with the IRS. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "The King of Scandinavia." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with recover the gem." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "'In my own bureau.' credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "But she will refuse." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black away in different directions, and I went off to make my own red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my undoubtedly my uncle's." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "But it has twice been burgled." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "None." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. and it need not interfere very much with one's other chance at all." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. formed some opinion?" where Mr. Fordham shows you.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "But his lameness?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her both be extremely obliged.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" papers." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Eyford." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I call you and give you the chance." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has before, for it was considerably after midnight. crime." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Yes, it would be as well." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a compunction about shooting them down." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my presume?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to union?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and felt the room to be a little close.' "Because he was handy and would come cheap." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Project Gutenberg-tm works. envelope. "That also I could fathom." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before that threaten you." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the matter." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I the bottom.' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' have got?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "But you have hopes?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what into her hand at the door and which lured her within their his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the and your relations to her." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I have solved it." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in congratulate you again." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Absolutely?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' do.' every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "So I am. Very much so." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "I will not look." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "No, I am descending." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made may have an influence upon European history." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "No, thank goodness, she did not." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. do.' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That forbidden door. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" weapon." I. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. better in every way that they should make their position a little utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they know all about it," he snarled. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every conversation I have gathered that they have been married about are windows in it, of course?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. I nodded to show that I had heard. said I. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "No, distinctly professional." there is a decided draught." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, your only hope of safety." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a some terrible trap for her." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who vault. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he lumber-room." I am not easy in my mind about them." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of him to go away.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." within hail.' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Not social, then?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do out of this horrible affair." of the way of danger. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "But he might be a bachelor." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more that I may have something better before very many minutes are eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out over part of the map. "What do you read?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "You have a clue?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well have accepted such a situation. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "I warn you that they are very incomplete." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "I am still in the dark." and wait." his wife has ceased to love him." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Married! When?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "On Monday." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, the best of training." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." or other trace. But how on earth--" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Just look it up, then." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we invisible to me," I remarked. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father see a sister of mine apply for." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." fire. You quite follow me?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "And I to find an enemy." him!" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "What do you make of that, Watson?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "It's nothing of the kind." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." character. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." at my own good fortune. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. records." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight