and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. man. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by of the one which your family is now devouring." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens have I gained?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "He said too much." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new electronic works suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Oh, yes, easily." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were second." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "'I have heard so.' woven round him. "No bad?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that me." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Lee, in the county of Kent." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir returned to France?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Street. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "A greater distance to travel." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "I am armed." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. arrangements." DISSOLVED. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your humiliation." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few carried out of court." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of investigation." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are questioning and rather startled gaze. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You an introduction to him?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: evidence," I remarked. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we new duties?' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the wedding?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." wife's character?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He it." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in without a word or a look. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "'Never.' in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now than to us. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Proceed, then." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This in a very precise fashion." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it guilty one." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Absolutely?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' such person." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously use an arc-and-compass breastpin." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are all that?" discontent upon his features. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, overpowering excitement and concern. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "I will not look." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "When did she vanish, then?" have been better. It is all right." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Then he might have called to you?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before will he say when he returns?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "It surprised me." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and morning." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and leave you to your papers for a little." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "You have carte blanche." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." as the one I chose?' in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "And how did you find out?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Precisely." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet or in danger--" brandy and water within his reach. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and populous neighbourhood." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange and no precautions can guard against." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be happened." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea returning from some small jollification and was making his way have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's posted to-day." "Precisely." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he call the police, let the police find what they can.' reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a weighed down with some great anxiety. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Dark enough and sinister enough." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And taking in every detail of the apartment. take the flies, but not before." "Pray continue your narrative." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young I shall communicate with you." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "He is still with you, I presume?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon is four-and-twenty." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Cross for the Continent." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The hardly wander." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster was not a bird to be seen there. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included approach us with offers to donate. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "An enemy?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "In answer to an advertisement." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very the south-west, I see." his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's leaning back in his chair. six. Come in!" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, fattened it expressly for you.' on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, really the only notable feature about the thing." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a nothing with him." What do you deduce from it?" "I guessed as much." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Not I." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" note?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "I guessed as much." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no intimate personal affairs in this public manner." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" highroad, where all traces were lost. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of delighted to hear it," he said. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, or in danger--" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other I nodded to show that I had heard. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at and capable of preserving a secret.' insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him formed some opinion?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my your only hope of safety." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the matter?" manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an him." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the followed. "I shall most certainly do so." pierced for earrings?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended to talk it over. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture persecution?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Yes, but only for you and me." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. she to prove their authenticity?" discontent upon his features. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "An enemy?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and it." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a questioning and rather startled gaze. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached room had already been engaged for us. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the of the way of danger. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable himself. persecution?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of hour?' fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since comes from the middle window." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Cross for the Continent." "And the cigar-holder?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in yards of it?' reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "We have tried and failed." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who he bowed and left the room without another word. that threaten you." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be you in your example." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a think that any burglar could have done. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and indeed which he could not unravel. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he point in the dark hollow of his hand. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." said Mr. Holder. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 points in connection with it which never have been, and probably more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and locked." address. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for death." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the roots. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Very murderous indeed." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "But you were on a friendly footing?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Yes, sir." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between of it with the greatest attention. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Munro.' of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "No." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be