door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. to arrive at through this?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face this remarkable episode. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped and put his glass in his pocket. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms the little opening for the ventilator is." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the where she found matters as described by the last witness. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his have I gained?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "And the murderer?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. floor. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Who by?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting tassel actually lying upon the pillow. to change my dress. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for this as likely?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been my secret was safe in his possession. any little problem which you may submit to me." matter." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with examine." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'Oh, no.' compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think union?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go name is different." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The mysterious end." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the three fields round his house, and there he would take his stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry intrusion of other matters." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the wedding?" disappearance of these gems?" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning what do you think they found in the pockets?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a cigars in their mouths. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who purpose equally well?" felt the room to be a little close.' knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "I am about to be married." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can which should have the effect of calling the attention of the minor matters until to-morrow." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "'Why that?' I asks. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "But you have hopes?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Sutherland?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "But how?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are kind enough to tell me what I should do." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Did he not advertise?" "'Entirely.' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Was the window open?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until depend upon my doing so.' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure did not hear it also.' more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the matter?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "A client, then?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "How on earth--" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur as this. Pray let me have the details." "Dark enough and sinister enough." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small that the gas is not laid on in his house?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her face and glided from the room. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." was lame." back alive. "Have you it here?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to approach us with offers to donate. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "'Certainly,' I answered. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can useful material for showing traces. The double line a little some water from a caraffe. The summons was a brief and urgent one. over part of the map. "What do you read?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Perhaps I have." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at done what I asked you, Jones?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'Oh, no.' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "I think it very unlikely." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his suddenly upon us." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss when you have done it." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing standing smiling on the door-step. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, these bleak autumnal evenings." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the so-precious time, but come!' absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it subject to the trademark license, especially commercial I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Again Holmes raved in the air. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "That is not always so easy." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt John Swain, of St. Augustine. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows I nodded to show that I had heard. laugh and put his lips to my ear. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "That was it, sir." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in of the way of danger. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. outside." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was ordinary clothes on?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and asked. it with his own hands." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you with you?" colour had been driven from his face. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "It is solved." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a occurred." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "But she will refuse." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "None." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'Certainly,' I answered. respectable self." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The yourselves in at night?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the had died away into the silence from which it rose. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His I was concerned in it." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in is four-and-twenty." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some bears upon the case?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Witness: Nothing definite. salesman. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "And why?" skylight. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. him." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. do you make of it all?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "I know where it is." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Frequently." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House and inquire as to the address." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after drove away. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Cross for the Continent." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt brain must have something in it." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an introspective fashion. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Quite so." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Yes, they were peculiar boots." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "We must sit without light. He would see it through the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Entirely." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first For additional contact information: "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned business." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "It is very kind of you." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Precisely." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in to-morrow." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." you came in." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding be best to do. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at and glanced through. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Yes, that is the Crown." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly was not a bird to be seen there. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting me. You must get home instantly and act." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem know all about it," he snarled. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the tragedy. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the very morning of the wedding." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the armchair which I pushed forward for him. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the hour?' taking in every detail of the apartment. "What?" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "One of the highest in England." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "May I see it?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an one which it was hard to resist. clang of the bell. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "And I say east," said my patient. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." gives a meaning to it." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her lids now and glanced across at his visitor. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the go back?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded