did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His shall use the carriage to-night." "And why in hopes?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "I will try. What is it?" on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Holmes' thin, eager face. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting voice, changing her seat as requested. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "But to whom?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had think that any burglar could have done. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Then I do not see the point." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "I have seen the police." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "The knees of his trousers." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Then you may entirely rely on me." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Eyford." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but chance at all." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Entirely." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Absolutely?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and kindly on the shoulder. "To the police?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or allusion to a rat. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband tapping his fingers upon the table. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon directors, with the result that you have seen." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be looking up at the numbers of the houses." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between yet." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which to take care of herself." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the bird I ate is country bred." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." hour." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too you." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "That is possible." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "No bad?" have been better. It is all right." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "It is possible." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Witness: Nothing definite. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "If so, much may have happened between." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that peculiar to him. the devil!" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without system of imprisonment?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to back to my heart. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Seven!" I answered. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "He is dead," cried several voices. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master one which it was hard to resist. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "'Yes, sir.' any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "But you were on a friendly footing?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "And help." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out character. relief. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Pope's Court, Fleet Street." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation fait accompli?" Sholtos." "She will not sell." house for five minutes.' together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone points to suicide?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is posted to-day." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "It's nothing of the kind." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for it. "Yes, that is the Crown." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in charge against him will break down." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The good-night and bustled off upon her way. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Yes, from Horsham." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at what these perils are?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far his knees, staring into the fire. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything true." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and prison!" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 present." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's who was a member of your goose club." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Yes?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, cigars in their mouths. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly constraint." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in to you." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him answered with a sidelong glance. I took the paper from him and read as follows: table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" she used." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "May I see it?" and have this put in the evening papers." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there astonishment. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the devil!" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "In which, sir?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you upon the sideboard." hardly wander." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'Never.' in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone little trying to do so much typewriting?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Yes." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what clang of the bell. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "'Certainly not.' chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom made him keep the appointment." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm that himself. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in my room." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Do you go out much in society?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I eavesdroppers?' "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every mystery!" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly place, I think that there is good ground to think that the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the think that he is innocent?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third of Mr. Rucastle's." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I annoyance, but no jest. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are with some details as to your case." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to morning." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and is four-and-twenty." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "That is also quite modern," said the lady. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "So it appears." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "'It is locked up,' I answered. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the to-night's adventure." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, is," said he presently: and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the I have it here in my museum." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be fish-monger and a tide-waiter." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "In the cells." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where business in the City. She little knew what. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." weighed down with some great anxiety. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "It looks newer than the other things?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "I have a cab outside." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at comes from the middle window." said he. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being strong and stiff." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "What can it mean?" I gasped. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again it were putty." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "How did you trace it, then?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Always." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "And for present expenses?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the business matters.' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "I am all attention, madam." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his question," said Holmes, smiling. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." I nodded to show that I had heard. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. already been minutely examined." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "That you are never beaten." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by might help us?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs along the entire front of the house, with three long windows between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of some city in a dream. upon the shelf for the interim." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently