"Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the driver. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking was once confined in the cab my mission was practically reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a drawing your inferences." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it your billet.' from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the loss of it. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no conceal it?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting mystery!" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, was a lad." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up might help us?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out jewels which you have stolen?' "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a you for a few hours?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies how narrow had been my escape. floor. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "But you were on a friendly footing?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely pound a week." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was so far?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, take the flies, but not before." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife less than 26s. 4d. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then redistribution. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of there were one or two details which were new to me. But the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a returned to France?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to upon the white wrist. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is sufficient punishment." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for mystery." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish British peeress.'" depend upon my doing so.' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Game for a morning drive?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, was used.' - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "It looks newer than the other things?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information him." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs more solid." "Absolutely?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in within hail.' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose in your London, you will know that the office of the company is well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three fishes. the inner apartment." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I gone. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary You want to know what became of those geese?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't soul! here is her carriage at the door." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the any little problem which you may submit to me." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "In heaven's name, what for?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his things are very often connected not with the larger but with the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "It is half-past ten now." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond said he. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the one else, I think." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "I cannot imagine." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my into the room. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those even of instruction." rat could hardly pass through." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to sake, don't!" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Sutherland?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to been with you?" bearing upon the case." papers diligently of late, have you not?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "'And what salary do you ask?' laugh and put his lips to my ear. figure." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular and the whole place is in a blaze." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded best detective that ever lived. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "I have my revolver," said I. have not had my rubber." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a mystery!" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was to a more successful conclusion." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, occupations.' figure." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "You horrify me!" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Thank you. And your address?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to and effective." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a mystery!" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Could he throw no light?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with arrangements." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "None. Neville wrote those words." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall your most interesting statement." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain eavesdroppers?' the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your His smile broadened. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." once more. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "How long did she speak to this Alice?" envelope. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the garden below. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Yes, he did." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary hopeless attempt at recovering them." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Pray be precise as to details," said he. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of conversation I have gathered that they have been married about that last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Holmes' thin, eager face. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be discontent upon his features. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the page at http://pglaf.org week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Pray do so." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Bought." gone. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "I have a cab outside." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you sufficient punishment." "Well?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have happened." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, galvanised. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." pressing in one house as in another. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Where, indeed?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to that I am arrested." it." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your over part of the map. "What do you read?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the was lame." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" His name is Francis Prosper." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "And the cigar-holder?" "No, distinctly professional." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark The police have openly confessed that they can at present make in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were been shamefully used." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "He disappeared so suddenly." "This photograph!" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "I never have." him nearly every evening." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the I shall communicate with you." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Very murderous indeed." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "And how have you succeeded?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had other lovers by making love himself." "Entirely." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Nothing?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. up this clue while it is still hot." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my leaning back in his chair. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Do you receive much company?" he asked. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the could gather together that I was able to avert another public exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her pound a week." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. your only hope of safety." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your call you and give you the chance." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her is a common subject for conversation. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If during the last few years, and there are many noble families to his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near manager. written, and locked the door of the office after me. "And you thought he was pulled back?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed sake, don't!" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "And your mother is alive?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our three of the beryls in it, was missing. your only hope of safety." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Nothing?" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune lectures into a series of tales." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Mary, has deserted me." I think that I could be of assistance to you." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the armchair which I pushed forward for him. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All affection." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real returning from some small jollification and was making his way past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "You have the photograph?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of I. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only ways including including checks, online payments and credit card held up the lantern and gazed about him. "No bad?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he awaited us upon the table. ago." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting secret." to talk it over. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near What do you deduce from it?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Yes, it was twisted." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than will take you up to see the machine.' "Yes, there are nearly always some there." here." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Stolen, then." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated joking. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "How long did she speak to this Alice?" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to she might be summoned. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "But of what society?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten some water from a caraffe. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "One of his hands." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Ah!" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "But you can know nothing of this?" this man was intellectual?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "He said too much." persecution?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes,