afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Not yet." cigars in their mouths. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should face and glided from the room. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have interest. They are important, you understand, without being 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and your equipment. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his voice, changing her seat as requested. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'Very good.' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the ourselves in the office." "They are typewritten," I remarked. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Dr. Becher's." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over roused himself from his reverie. "My dear Holmes!" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's several quiet little villages up there." whole matter to your consideration." I am not easy in my mind about them." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an particular state visit http://pglaf.org and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "It is to him that this trophy belongs." IS "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were of note-paper. It read in this fashion: wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young could go. gigantic client. "The murder was done with it." "None." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I crime. bachelor.' "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the gives a meaning to it." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Munro.' help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though this as likely?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." in a friendly supper." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Then I shall certainly come." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "But your client--" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Never." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. secret." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us congratulate you again." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Count Von Kramm." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. know that the truth is known." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat one or two very singular points about this room. For example, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "A client, then?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a him, that man would not have given me such complete information effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "You know me, then?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all of it with the greatest attention. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." round with crates and massive boxes. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a into the room. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and his grey eyes. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Pray do so." "Who was the criminal, then?" this poor creature." companion. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this down. other means.' hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "I cannot think." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a minor matters until to-morrow." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." waste of energy." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting mysterious business." "Ah!" Project Gutenberg-tm works. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "And did you observe any change in her then?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. directly by questioning you." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Where, then?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "9th. McCauley cleared. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his was used.' man. I know him from the photograph." before the coroner and the police-court." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Stoke Moran." Holmes' thin, eager face. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this intimate personal affairs in this public manner." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond to his chemical studies. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my think that he is innocent?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." clanging. which it had come upon my father." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been have established a very serious case against the son of the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady locked. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save have got?" assist you in forming an opinion." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he floor. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "You are hungry," I remarked. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "You have compromised yourself seriously." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any your co-operation." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short but preventing her from injuring another. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. very old mansion. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he whereabouts. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Oh, fresh and glossy." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "But you have hopes?" Holmes' thin, eager face. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Holmes rather sternly. "VIOLET HUNTER." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can prison!" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should go back?" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 know that the truth is known." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "But she could not love him." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "On the contrary, this is the right side." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who McCarthy." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed clang of the bell. papers must be those that are destroyed.' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he nothing with him." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is yards of it?' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "And the cigar-holder?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner absorbing." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "I know where it is." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as there." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has criminal. We have already had experience of such." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little any." I. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the later, upon the night of May 2nd." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Certainly." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "By no means." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and may have an influence upon European history." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with him." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though seven miles from Eyford Station.' "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to into the bag, and made for the door. even so self-evident a thing as that." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Breckinridge is his name." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event some water from a caraffe. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential rose-bushes. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "By train from Waterloo." followed. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of him, that man would not have given me such complete information against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, front of me. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the what I may call a really hard day's work." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only during the last few years, and there are many noble families to was not a bird to be seen there. there is a decided draught." read over the extraordinary announcement. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, for and were ordered to this address. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. you." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Precisely." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my name is different." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of returning from some small jollification and was making his way troubles have been weighing upon his mind. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Certainly." "If so, much may have happened between." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other one's self under obligations.' power." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Do you receive much company?" he asked. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "'And the work?' (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage unprofitable." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." sparkled upon his finger. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed to Leatherhead. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our business at Coburg Square is serious." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "But she will refuse." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "What steps will you take?" I asked. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was morning." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Did he not advertise?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "No." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Not him." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the tension within him. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who himself to hunt down. room. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "What of this 'Cooee!' then?"