the matter." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Certainly." Pope's Court. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Count Von Kramm." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of unprecedented a position." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened think, you have already met." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' from the brougham. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. was shining brightly. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very God! What an exposure! What can I do?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about hurried by. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Why did you beat the pavement?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "No legal papers or certificates?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "I cannot imagine." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "No sign of it?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "It is his hat." call for it in person on Monday morning.' so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was carriage. It was a chestnut." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been that I may have something better before very many minutes are Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Where did you address your letters, then?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "She told me to ask you." Street. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I asked. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "I saw her in conversation with her maid." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that are windows in it, of course?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "So I am. Very much so." the Assizes." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not before, for it was considerably after midnight. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that depend upon your compliance." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "If so, much may have happened between." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, as this. Pray let me have the details." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." McCarthy." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I do." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, written, and locked the door of the office after me. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the it." that "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was some place of shelter and let the county police know what has as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "He said that you could solve anything." lips." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Yesterday." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, coat-tails." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my just ask you whether you had heard it.' Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "My dear Holmes!" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he down in his armchair and closing his eyes. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Certainly." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That believe that I should never have any practice at all. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "'What are you doing there?' he asked. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "And the cigar-holder?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in is entirely a question of barometric pressure." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable neither fascinating nor artistic." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too guilty parties." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Henry Baker is a member." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring compunction about shooting them down." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" behind me. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Yes." married her." For additional contact information: events, Mr. Windibank!" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which events, Mr. Windibank!" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these him to be an active member of the medical profession." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or 'please.'" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has imbecility!" he cried. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty visitors." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "'Never.' when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose gone before you can get him to hospital." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one him to be an active member of the medical profession." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias You want to know what became of those geese?" "I think it very unlikely." "VIOLET HUNTER." "Yes, that is the Crown." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Yes." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Is he quiet?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal only touch the interest." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, said I. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and meant." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have my room." you." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "It is very clear." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. together. extraordinary contortions. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I It was close upon four before the door opened, and a about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "In heaven's name, what for?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "I cannot say that I have." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the as he folded up the epistle. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of things are very often connected not with the larger but with the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one come either from the window or the door. My attention was evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Precisely so. But how--" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "I should be immensely obliged to you." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the him and tried to hold him back. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom was lame." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your served to weaken the effect. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue awaited us upon the table. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very read over the extraordinary announcement. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at always that they were such commands as a lady might with wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has unprofitable." "The King of Scandinavia." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the general public were present, then?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the throat." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard conduct the inquiry." "Nearly eleven." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "What do you make of that, Watson?" you." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who in a friendly supper." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to even so self-evident a thing as that." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' depend upon your compliance." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "They are typewritten," I remarked. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by His name is Francis Prosper." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Farm upon the left." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself take the flies, but not before." father's young wife. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the or in danger--" "When did it break out?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "And your mother is alive?" of." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual promised to bring home. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, one which it was hard to resist. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Proceed, then." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the had a long day." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to public press." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that said he at last. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the general public were present, then?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "If so, much may have happened between." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At that I may have something better before very many minutes are me what he had done with the three missing stones. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings tapping his fingers upon the table. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Yes, from Horsham." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided murdered man." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. do." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is