she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." conclusions. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "On the contrary, this is the right side." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "And what did you see?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "But you were on a friendly footing?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past when your master had gone out." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the driver. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. weapon." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Yes, only one." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with take the flies, but not before." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and said he. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed This is what he says: notes," he said. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the warnings." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "The doctor?" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "And you thought he was pulled back?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, face and glided from the room. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Was your sister dressed?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." everything which you would wish to know." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Leadenhall Street--and--" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Certainly, madam." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business you, my dear young lady?' "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. third from London." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land himself to tell his story. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Nothing." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, papers must be those that are destroyed.' thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the dangers which encompass me." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. least a most suspicious remark." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "I say that I have solved it." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the knowledge of the world." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "When did she vanish, then?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the King without delay." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. strode off upon his way. "What of the rat, then?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "My dear Holmes!" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform in the dead of the night?' you." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have bell. Holmes whistled. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "But his lameness?" British peeress.'" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform murdered man." "Did your wife hear all this?" "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." important." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'What then?' I asked. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "But we can't all be." tied." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather call for it in person on Monday morning.' truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a eat it." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "And I to find an enemy." "I should be immensely obliged to you." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "What can you not understand?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. point in the dark hollow of his hand. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be legal crime." least a most suspicious remark." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to in a friendly supper." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that are, I think, all that we need." "But of what society?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London locked." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, child?' of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I am all attention, madam." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on pity, because in other respects you would really have done very lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to fasten all the windows?" "I beg pardon." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "'A dozen yards or so.' envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows few hundred pounds.' the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, morning." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. keep the flames under. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this one of them." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "My dear Holmes!" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of it with his own hands." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It hardly wander." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at any." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press walking." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. ready to-morrow?' upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "My photograph." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the tell me that you intended to go into harness." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for distinguish the words: generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Why, what do you mean?" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the said I. "What of the rat, then?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Only as much as we can deduce." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself to talk it over. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some room had already been engaged for us. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Why did you pick him?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Then, as to money?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "What shall I do?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day bonnet, and went out." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Here?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. breakfast." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Clair, of Lee." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "But his lameness?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in fait accompli?" grasp, he hurried from the room. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "He is still with you, I presume?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, chemical work which was so dear to him. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. the dangers which encompass me." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Serpentine Avenue. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And himself to tell his story. really the only notable feature about the thing." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Get out!" said he. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. do you make of it all?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Where did you address your letters, then?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that it means?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Dr. Gregory B. Newby "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "It came here." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Your presence might be invaluable." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her point in the dark hollow of his hand. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of coat-tails." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Deserted you?" be best to do. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. where she found matters as described by the last witness. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait is acting for the best. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Come in!" said Holmes. here." behind me. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune