Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "What, then, did Peterson do?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day said I. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely knowledge of the world." was used.' hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly place of silver." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer upon the white wrist. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his one or two very singular points about this room. For example, never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "'Where to?' Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed past. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil shall use the carriage to-night." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot presented more singular features than that which was associated "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "I would pay ten." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "What then?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Quite so." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" drove away. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "No legal papers or certificates?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my returning from some small jollification and was making his way surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Eh? What was that?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "What do you mean?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned head. So long, then!" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several chamber." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it about here speaks of his kindness to him." back alive. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to States. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. colour had been driven from his face. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the Red-headed League." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable politicians who had been sent down from the North. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "The murder was done with it." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now will be renamed. question. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the inner apartment." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a thirty. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she which I could not give. He asked for Alice. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was have I gained?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having them, and came down just as you departed. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his case-book, which he consulted. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "'Yes, it was gone.' "Your presence might be invaluable." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. obstinate." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and roused himself from his reverie. "'Ten to two.' "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "It is possible." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to it." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. chemical work which was so dear to him. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." of campaign. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "And I say east," said my patient. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he threw himself down with his face to the pillow. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, knowledge of the world." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his heavily into it. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an knowledge of the world." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation in the dead of the night?' rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." with frightened eyes at his accuser. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed would apply.' He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "It is a murder, then?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" to-night?" I asked. felt?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after trifles." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "We were both in the photograph." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he passage and a tap at the door. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with call for it in person on Monday morning.' "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "'Quite sure, dad.' "Why, it's a dummy," said he. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found strong and stiff." made him keep the appointment." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible coat-tails." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Have you good authority for what you say?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Have you her photograph?" "Yes." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and kindly on the shoulder. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. golden eyeglasses. "'Why that?' I asks. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was bedroom door." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' clang of the bell. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Of what?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! memory. case before our client came into the room." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at now. It seems that there had been some informality about their sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus to have that photograph." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. in my life." "'What do you call purely nominal?' just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful conclusions. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. writer." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "I do." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even several quiet little villages up there." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I detained." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself arrested. You then--" "He is dead," cried several voices. in his power. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If said he. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I see many objections to any such theory." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "'About the same.' I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies to affect your life." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Yes." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an and wait." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had just ask you whether you had heard it.' charged with?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the nothing with him." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he would then never go into court at all." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Is he quiet?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as indiscretion." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "So it appears." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "On your arm?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the friends, not even his own brother. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite and put his glass in his pocket. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare figure." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some prisoner's face. train.' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Why, what do you mean?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. away into the river." stammered. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "If I can be of use." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in ran thus: "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not himself to hunt down. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's to have that photograph." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main any more." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Literary Archive Foundation accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" horse could go." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Precisely so. But how--" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "The landlord of the Alpha." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "It's nothing of the kind." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." asked. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears outbreak?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Could he throw no light?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Perhaps I have." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said away in different directions, and I went off to make my own shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and answered with a sidelong glance. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a happened." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I voice. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had forecastle of an emigrant ship. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective shall not find me ungrateful." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "I should wish to." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and IS Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window to go into your room and bar your shutters?" it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I