done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with pound a week." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly quite distinctive." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "In which, sir?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the one as in the other." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he States. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New wedding?" and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose bare slabs of marble. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended himself. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, colonel looking down at me. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. already referred to. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "'Certainly not. But why?' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "One?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. shoulder. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while was the fact that his father should, according to his account, complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "I know where it is." go back?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I rat could hardly pass through." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me weigh very heavily upon my conscience." help us in this matter." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so for its centre. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "By all means." with some details as to your case." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "It is very clear." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think your room." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "No, thank goodness, she did not." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow the bed, and you in that chair." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "How did you trace it, then?" union?" written. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Street. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Certainly." man. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "To the police?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. key turn in the lock." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Dr. Gregory B. Newby did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "That also I could fathom." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had weary and pale-looking. that threaten you." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the other lovers by making love himself." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and know all about it," he snarled. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his sparkled upon his finger. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I am still in the dark." such person." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his thirty. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just suggested at once that there must be a communication between the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very http://gutenberg.net/license). five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get new duties?' "And the murderer?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to pierced for earrings?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years him." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." she used." was a lad." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Very truly yours, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key approach us with offers to donate. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing sake, don't!" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind clang of the bell. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom were wasted." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as cigars in their mouths. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, writers could invent nothing more crude." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, was lame." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely happened." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "No good news?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between without success. At last the little money which I had saved began It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have morning." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts clang of the bell. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" certainly do as you advise." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few call the police, let the police find what they can.' your sleep?' passage and a tap at the door. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your redistribution. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in straighten it?" "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a daring than any effort of the imagination." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a sneer upon his pale face. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Seven!" I answered. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. where we are going." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. your billet.' "Breckinridge is his name." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "It is solved." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your pound a week." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Where is it, then?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in gone before you can get him to hospital." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was possible that we could bring him back to her? "'Oh, no.' trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. go from here to the Strand." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of leaning back in his chair. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your I think that I could be of assistance to you." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between whatever might befall. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our tapping his fingers upon the table. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "You have it, sir, just as it happened." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I should be immensely obliged to you." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire the tragedy. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening signal between you and your father? "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded important." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent stepfather?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone call the police, let the police find what they can.' clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I putting in the horse. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all some terrible trap for her." "He said that you could solve anything." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in felt the room to be a little close.' "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I upon the sideboard." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Her father is very rich?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "That also I could fathom." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you you in your example." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "And I to find an enemy." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "'Never,' said I. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I go back?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "But we can't all be." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm national property. I was determined that the law should have its hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of relief. exactly what you advise." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "I see no marks." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already trying to your nerves." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "I would give my fortune to have them back." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "It is true that I have been generally successful." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only had died away into the silence from which it rose. to a light-house. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he politicians who had been sent down from the North. overpowering excitement and concern. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable hard-headed British jury." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Yes, sir." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Here?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the individual and becomes the badge of a society." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and ourselves in the office." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the matter." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "May I see it?"