tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite that there was nothing in it, after all." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Why serious?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Not in the least." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the matter?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which to go into your room and bar your shutters?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. writer." delirious. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain gives a meaning to it." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a one of the states of the Union." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Oh, the cause is excellent!" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich clanging. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Who by?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other know all about it," he snarled. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." outside. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Clair, of Lee." burst out into a roar of laughter. wife's character?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "To an end?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "I will get her to show me." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. just ask you whether you had heard it.' living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the society." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I answered that I had not. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have advice." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. promised to bring home. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Yes, there are nearly always some there." better grown goose." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a for and were ordered to this address. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a later, upon the night of May 2nd." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at kindly on the shoulder. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Yes, sir." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was husband's writing, madam." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become results." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. other lovers by making love himself." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain clanging. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "But you have hopes?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, think that he is innocent?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been been shamefully used." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I have my revolver," said I. indeed which he could not unravel. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The fact, we may call it conclusive." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken you for a few hours?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. or in danger--" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Why, it's a dummy," said he. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house girl said." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Stolen, then." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "And from a noble client?" and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of them has the shutters up.' "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which to tackle the facts." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. on in his house." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one tassel actually lying upon the pillow. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." asked. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the nursery. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, DAMAGE. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "'You doubt its value?' he asked. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Have you good authority for what you say?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their tension within him. showing my impatience. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "My last client of the sort was a king." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "And who is her maid?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project get her out of the way." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "And what did you see?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One investigation." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then highroad, where all traces were lost. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and with you?" one of them." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the which are rolled in Rotterdam." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a roused himself from his reverie. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three papers on the sundial.'" gives a meaning to it." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "But he might be a bachelor." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton should be so warm over such a trifle." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since empty. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "You know me, then?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and which was all perfectly true. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour south, for the country is more deserted there." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even husband's writing, madam." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "You were travelling in the States?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that this poor creature." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, disappearance of these gems?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal test if we have an answer to our advertisement." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. I am not easy in my mind about them." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the client, rising. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall passage and a tap at the door. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the clang of the bell. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "You horrify me." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that security.' tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "To an end?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor visitors." "What office?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw will not take me long to tell. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I shall most certainly do so." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his as noiselessly as she had come. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest the very morning of the wedding." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless your equipment. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "But he might be a bachelor." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "My own seal." "'You cannot say what it was?' "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk shadow pass over his face as I spoke. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "I cannot think." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible already referred to. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "'Which dealer's?' "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "And now?" I asked. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "But what harm can there be in that?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Literary Archive Foundation It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to recall any case within my experience which looked at the first step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "In which, sir?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. weary and pale-looking. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any place, I think that there is good ground to think that the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this interested in these little problems, and since you are good be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "What, then?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband a few minutes he said that it would be all right. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose this remarkable episode. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. from the brougham. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, wall." "But of what society?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress problems help me to do so." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of such attractions and accomplishments?' As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. definite end. "And Irene Adler?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "No, my brougham is waiting." indeed happy." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came written, and locked the door of the office after me. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove his forehead." "On your arm?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was lamp in his hand. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few where we are going." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." with some details as to your case." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It business." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some acted in my house last night?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "He disappeared so suddenly." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, fatally injured? investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "What, then?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the awaited us upon the table. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "What then?" "Murdered?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless of them has the shutters up.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it intrusion of other matters." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and society." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should