house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me his face. comes from the middle window." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. II. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "His face fell immediately. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had The telegram which we eventually received came late one night compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon DISSOLVED. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "'I am sure if I had known--' "One of the highest in England." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." hair?' crime. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." straightened it out again. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "I say it is." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a them present such singular features as the strange train of case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, him and tried to hold him back. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I there." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Where does the thing come from?' searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to and wait." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I prisoner's face. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than me have 200 pounds?' you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. away into the river." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "The knees of his trousers." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right reach." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since have been better. It is all right." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "You think so, too?" have established a very serious case against the son of the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong learned something! Where are the gems?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my answer." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we the inquest, and which are worth considering." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it silent! Oh, he will be silent!' work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "But how did you gain them?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, villagers almost as much as their master. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home thin, with a long, sharp nose?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "I have come for advice." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "The gentleman I describe." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" said he. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "It is half-past ten now." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may Street. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "How did you trace it, then?" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, death." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until your room." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he washing it down with a long draught of water. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat stalked out of the room. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "But how could you guess what the motive was?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, was not a bird to be seen there. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite 1.E.9. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" might help us?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Did he not advertise?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of man. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one yourselves in at night?" Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I most important business. It is probable that he will be away all owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he than to us. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, conclusions. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Come in!" said he. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between comes from the middle window." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady formed some opinion?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He telegram would bring me down to your help." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, once more to my work. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Oh, the cause is excellent!" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his some city in a dream. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have bachelor.' beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Married! When?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" have an American origin." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "By no means." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the general public were present, then?" "Can I be of assistance?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted better in every way that they should make their position a little return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and you?' would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly that I can to serve you." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at not as remarkable as your advertisement." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Deserted you?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Entirely." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Yes." returned to France?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Yes, sir." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards article?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his upon the white wrist. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to orange pips. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "I shall most certainly do so." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you see a sister of mine apply for." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not good for you to do.' would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'I shall certainly be there.' present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have was used.' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and extraordinary contortions. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Eh? What was that?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "My opinion is in no way altered." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Henry Baker is a member." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "What do you make of that, Watson?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Yes." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Here?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away you understand?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own habit of advancing money.' much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our province." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen goes." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to most important business. It is probable that he will be away all teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have this unhappy family?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. crime. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "By train from Waterloo." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "You have but to name it." developed." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of over his head with a sweet womanly caress. a suggestive one." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain British peeress.'" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." "The doctor?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another during that time.' Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. joking. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only already been minutely examined." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and your sleep?' entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "I don't say that. Perhaps." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "You will not go there first?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? instituted." writer." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the you." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of that?' Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Yes." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage that?' vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a straighten it?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the inner apartment." "Where did you address your letters, then?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a young Openshaw's." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "What then?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the all-comprehensive glances. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "But not more so than I to find you." against a man in the prime of life?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found them present such singular features as the strange train of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the inquest, and which are worth considering." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations of."