"'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be eavesdroppers?' If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling noble correspondent could be. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and enough to aid us in our search." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "What I expected to see." to arrive at through this?" "I will, Miss Turner." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "No, I am descending." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "If I can be of use." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. know that the truth is known." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "No, distinctly professional." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Not yet." "Why, what do you mean?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk happened." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Oh, the cause is excellent!" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been strength." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." fattened it expressly for you.' look dissatisfied." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "In what way?" asked Holmes. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Yes." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "And from a noble client?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Two days later this same performance was gone through under bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had have an American origin." straighten it?" fashion which was peculiar to him. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Upon what point?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I would pay ten." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you until night should bring an explanation. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was in a very precise fashion." breakfast?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to humiliation." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I cannot imagine." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? to-night." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post mystery." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, as noiselessly as she had come. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon him to be an active member of the medical profession." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Clair, of Lee." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His thirty. me what he had done with the three missing stones. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "She walked into the breakfast-room." people in all walks of life. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few plantation.' everything which you would wish to know." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I someone who had been in Australia." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "And help." "ARAT," I read. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "It is very clear." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "It certainly sounds feasible." Count Von Kramm." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he four million human beings all jostling each other within the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "What steps will you take?" I asked. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger do you make of it all?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything him to go away.' you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of voice. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and strength in the others." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "So I have heard." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, strength." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the forehead. "My dear Holmes!" "When did it break out?" I leave." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in went to the Alpha were town bred." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "How did you deduce the select?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it existence." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a will be renamed. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "A call for help, you thought?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on for securing the situation." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Oh, yes, easily." long narrative. second window is the one that I jumped from." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Your sister is dead, then?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project place no limit on the sum I may draw." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very should be taken.' lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark mystery." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet begin with, and I had not got mine yet." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as wall." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I would pay ten." never to learn it at all." deduce something from that?" "Precisely." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with once more. weary and pale-looking. fashion which was peculiar to him. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Proceed, then." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the stammered. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is at a side door. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and weigh very heavily upon my conscience." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Quite so. She has her freedom." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "The best possible." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know points in connection with it which never have been, and probably now. It seems that there had been some informality about their characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the relief. "And the cigar-holder?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his have established a very serious case against the son of the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William union?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon has little to do with my story." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in face and glided from the room. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he fled together." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and that he would see to anything that turned up. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when again before evening." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a assist you in forming an opinion." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." she used." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Holmes' thin, eager face. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack think, you have already met." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "I see no marks." "'About the same.' London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and yards of it?' round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of one's self under obligations.' passage and a tap at the door. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Pray tell us what has happened to you." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "What! a murderous attack?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "What is it?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "And who is her maid?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was down. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away directors, with the result that you have seen." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter was a lad." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Oh, yes, easily." any more." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know becomes even more simple." "She walked into the breakfast-room." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "It was an hour's good drive." weary and pale-looking. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Nothing?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "And why?" "I am sure." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and in my life." forebodings. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. delirious. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Very truly yours, "My own seal." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "But what harm can there be in that?" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "You did not overhear what they said?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "'Certainly not.' and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing himself in a perplexing position. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Henry Baker is a member." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "The gentleman I describe." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, you." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the man. any little problem which you may submit to me." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing to-morrow." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Eh? What was that?" way in everything. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "But it has twice been burgled." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "How are you getting on?" Holmes. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more best detective that ever lived. this man was intellectual?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the stable lane now." into the bag, and made for the door. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a already been minutely examined." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" me. You must get home instantly and act." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." to-night?" I asked. "'It is locked up,' I answered. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to might have a private word with us. have one." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the warnings." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the enter Dr. Roylott's room." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet