you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you maid will bring up your coffee." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the father's place of business?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual before the coroner and the police-court." "The rest you will leave in our hands." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder disturbance in my wife." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential call the police, let the police find what they can.' "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the bonnet, and went out." read over the extraordinary announcement. narrative." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "By no means." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Eyford." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Yes, certainly." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, shall not find me ungrateful." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the himself in a perplexing position. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "To an end?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the than to us. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I have seen the police." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough felt the room to be a little close.' he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the attention." handed it to him. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not which our visitor detailed to us. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife in a very precise fashion." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had one of them." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "It looks newer than the other things?" stalked out of the room. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is companion quietly. the ceiling. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew awaited us upon the table. one of them." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom The events in question occurred in the early days of my is a common subject for conversation. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the stable lane now." British peeress.'" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to business matters.' have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'Quite sure, dad.' before the coroner and the police-court." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "'Certainly not.' shall not find me ungrateful." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'What, the red-headed man?' 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the at my own good fortune. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Surrey." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it he bowed and left the room without another word. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, important." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" here and I will read it to you: not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. of the way of danger. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A This is what he says: Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man not interfere, come what may. You understand?" at once, for I have only half an hour." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Precisely." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we considering the formidable letters which were received by himself key of the affair now." straighten it?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Indeed! Whose, then?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "In the cells." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, despair." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Yes." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but think that he is innocent?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "What then?" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he or in danger--" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke again, where I was soon asleep. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the careless servant girl?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "'I have already given you my word.' He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "'Yes, I promise.' of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through without a word or a look. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident all?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold business in the City. She little knew what. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, vault. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old your only hope of safety." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a absolutely follow my advice in every respect." past. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the morning and make my own way in the world.' send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt formed some opinion?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Pray tell us what has happened to you." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He records." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Project Gutenberg-tm works. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Dr. Becher's." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." gone. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "The Cedars?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at people don't know." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Come in!" said he. "My Mary? Impossible!" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" and glanced through. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can writers could invent nothing more crude." stood on the top of it. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the room while you explain this matter?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Pool. drove away. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a someone who had been in Australia." "I should wish to." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "'Never.' "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "What I expected to see." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the said Mr. Holder. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside himself. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." interest. They are important, you understand, without being Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here situation." read it out to me." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "What shall I do?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, that there was nothing in it, after all." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Here?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "I am all attention, madam." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps 'please.'" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously than was visible to me." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and of Fenchurch Street." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the bottom.' "Well." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "In what way?" asked Holmes. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between way in." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would disappearance of the bride.'" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still think that he is innocent?" "And sit in the dark?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his fishes. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "I will get her to show me." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the would then never go into court at all." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." it." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave himself. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy mystery may be cleared along those lines." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his will take you up to see the machine.' "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence is worth.' have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's read over the extraordinary announcement. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle get the tickets." to Leatherhead. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely sooner or later she must fall a victim. me." good-night and bustled off upon her way. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, congratulate you again." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, occurred." photograph a cabinet?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "How do you know, then?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, his eyes and forehead. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion dear old homesteads?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism to take care of herself." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "What will you say?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "We were both in the photograph." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Lee, in the county of Kent." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "How did you trace it, then?" presume?" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been disappearance of the bride.'" laugh and put his lips to my ear. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he one of the states of the Union." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "And Miss Sutherland?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "What?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from more solid." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "But not more so than I to find you." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not them?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. your Highness to the police-station?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but envelope. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an his forehead." awkward doing business with an alias." to have that photograph." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." chemical work which was so dear to him. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Married! When?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to