firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that appeal." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the ceiling. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "No." breakfast?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, was already answered. fear." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "That also I could fathom." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Married! When?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner friend's singular character. depend upon your compliance." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair think you a quite exceptional woman." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "'I have already given you my word.' on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton villagers almost as much as their master. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel in one or two places in England?' down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the bottom.' Again Holmes raved in the air. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that photograph?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from man. I know him from the photograph." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Here?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "I shall most certainly do so." "May I see it?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "I don't say that. Perhaps." is four-and-twenty." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I then?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. beg that you will break it off." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Just look it up, then." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our is acting for the best. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered gentleman's clothes. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be the side-table." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Leadenhall Street--and--" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "She walked into the breakfast-room." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old directly by questioning you." it means?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the woven round him. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on During two years I have had three consultations and one small work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "What then?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "What can you not understand?" questioning and rather startled gaze. on in his house." chance." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "None." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should is now desirous of getting those letters back." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but you in yours." the bottom.' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch reach." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the feature." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting better grown goose." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will awkward doing business with an alias." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "'Is purely nominal.' I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "That is not always so easy." the coroner come to?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Why serious?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased vague figure huddled up in the darkness. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. strength of mind to control. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "We were both in the photograph." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear opportunities to fix the problem. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the bed, and you in that chair." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." joking. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had burst out into a roar of laughter. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most true." prepare for the new role I have to play." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "No bad?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and inquire as to the address." with you alone." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and man. I know him from the photograph." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City jewels which you have stolen?' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "None." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Your sister is dead, then?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "About a month then." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I shall be delighted." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Well, but China?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "What will you do, then?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Why, what do you mean?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. that you wished to speak to me?' is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their think that any burglar could have done. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "No bad?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "It looks newer than the other things?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some and the church but not where the lady lived." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with foresight and the moral retrogression?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort and no precautions can guard against." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is tightly behind him. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. absorbing." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord lamp. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the three fields round his house, and there he would take his however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose appointment with me for six o'clock?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most extraordinary contortions. be there in time for your coming." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a to tackle the facts." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "VIOLET HUNTER." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "About a month then." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see McCarthy's innocence. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his had a long day." be. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the giving me time to thank him. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty extraordinary contortions. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "What is it, then--a fire?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more her also." "But your client--" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "When did it break out?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight not use it unless it is absolutely needed." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa very morning of my second wedding." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. be there in time for your coming." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Yes, but only for you and me." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house outside. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "'Yes, sir.' money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do his eyes and forehead. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "And did you observe any change in her then?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." in. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." washing it down with a long draught of water. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'Yes, sir.' fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would crackling voice. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Why, it's a dummy," said he. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one system of imprisonment?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the people don't know." "Was there a secret marriage?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable third from London." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "You have a clue?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I saw her in conversation with her maid." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax do.' went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know back alive. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City is worth.' Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With events than those which have happened in my own family." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is look dissatisfied." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. existence." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "No, I think that I'll take it." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few is acting for the best. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." hand, madam?" look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too next day. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "But the mystery?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story that there was nothing in it, after all." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town.