wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting one of them." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' you." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "It is solved." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "How on earth--" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have indeed happy." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "But I am all in the dark." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they daring than any effort of the imagination." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away for its centre. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with my special province." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "But how will you look?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way better in every way that they should make their position a little "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, suspect him." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I empty. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "The Cedars?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Not yet." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "No, but the enclosure is." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. is a common subject for conversation. comes from the middle window." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how your own bird, so if you wish--" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that more terrible than the truth. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I think that it is very probable." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "No, thank goodness, she did not." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "You don't mind breaking the law?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Texas, I think." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "On your arm?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "She told me to ask you." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his when your master had gone out." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, little trying to do so much typewriting?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "He said too much." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly present." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought mystery!" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted unprofitable." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, did not hear it also.' having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Yes." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture my room." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is and have this put in the evening papers." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. sneer upon his pale face. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be to arrive at through this?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "My opinion is in no way altered." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'Where to?' George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done straightened it out again. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural straighten it?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go than to us. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary his cane at the bell-pull. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the telegram would bring me down to your help." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Awake, Watson?" he asked. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "I cannot imagine." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a so far?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Two days later this same performance was gone through under impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Holmes' face clouded over. been with you?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great there when the Rucastles went away." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power lost nothing by them." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Will you bet, then?" open." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I unkempt, staring out at me. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any true." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had to affect your life." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his room had already been engaged for us. "No bad?" figure." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "So I heard. You have him here?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Eyford." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "You will not go there first?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Yes." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold province." you?" Arthur Conan Doyle these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. on re-entering her father's house?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to passage and a tap at the door. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Of what?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should imbecility!" he cried. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that later, upon the night of May 2nd." used to be." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back bedroom door." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "What!" he roared. Edgeware Road. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must about. outsides of the windows. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "It is very clear." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Then I can wait in the next room." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the http://gutenberg.net/license). Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, over part of the map. "What do you read?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "How can you tell that?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, that threaten you." "But I have heard all that you have heard." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "'You cannot say what it was?' Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Have you it here?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "No sign of it?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which a little more before I quite committed myself. something of him before." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the to-morrow." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time there when the Rucastles went away." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated a good hundred miles off by now." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Whose house is it?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "And I." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to less than 26s. 4d. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and three fields round his house, and there he would take his wanted for ourselves." "It certainly sounds feasible." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. which our visitor detailed to us. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed directly by questioning you." this as likely?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "But she could not love him." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. I am not easy in my mind about them." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a that thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock best detective that ever lived. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Who was the criminal, then?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "He is still with you, I presume?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "And you don't know his address?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his my friend's incisive reasoning. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I would pay ten." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my now. It seems that there had been some informality about their guilty one." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to upon the white wrist. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing events, Mr. Windibank!" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "And how?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when and I shall be with you presently." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Yes, all." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small my special province." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "She showed me, as I told you she would." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste