"I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Edgeware Road. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was wanted for ourselves." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." and put his glass in his pocket. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The death." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You in his hands." "Where, then, is my wife?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the forehead. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "What can you not understand?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been I have it here in my museum." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the is a common subject for conversation. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "She walked into the breakfast-room." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with been shamefully used." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Not in a good cause." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Upon what point?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I assure you that I am in your hands." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she had died away into the silence from which it rose. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had locked." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some not personally threatened." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "My own seal." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "What! Had he lost his wife?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at to-night." me. You must get home instantly and act." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and to-morrow." "Not in the least." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered key turn in the lock." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "On your arm?" very old mansion. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable our word." the date of his supposed suicide." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave how narrow had been my escape. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." were wasted." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk since then to throw any light upon what became of him." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." which our visitor detailed to us. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the affair. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! some water from a caraffe. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Awake, Watson?" he asked. mystery may be cleared along those lines." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a whether it answered to the description of any of their Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "It is possible." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It possible that we could bring him back to her? him to be an active member of the medical profession." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the one as in the other." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one other means.' other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I will not look." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the know what is wrong with it.' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "That sounds a little paradoxical." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence use an arc-and-compass breastpin." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "What?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding of the efforts of the United States government and of the better thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Was she in good spirits?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper with you?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "'I have already given you my word.' seem to you to be relevant or not." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in vault. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" it with his own hands." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. whether it answered to the description of any of their grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for goes." "What?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'How far from the body?' he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "I think it very unlikely." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "You have but to name it." his face which made him a very different person to the round, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' are, I think, all that we need." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "I cannot say that I have." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "How are you getting on?" shall use the carriage to-night." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their for the market.' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother to tackle the facts." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord ways including including checks, online payments and credit card unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there meanly of me." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the bottom.' "And did you observe any change in her then?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have stepfather?" as yours." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark as noiselessly as she had come. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in amused." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my said I. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Absolutely?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, you for a few hours?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Certainly." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were walking." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. shoulder; "he's all right." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "And that is--" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until your only hope of safety." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did his eyes and forehead. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in most important business. It is probable that he will be away all had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Entirely." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Just look it up, then." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. closing the door. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "And help." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now James Windibank. Voilà tout!" mysterious end." detective. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "'Tell me all about it,' said I. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" of Fenchurch Street." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already lumber-room." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Yes." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to highly," said Holmes. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Seven!" I answered. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had me. You must get home instantly and act." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric looking up at the numbers of the houses." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called chair. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "But your client--" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was danger is over." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "You think so, too?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of whereabouts. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "No. What a strange idea!" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Pope's Court, Fleet Street." appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about friends, not even his own brother. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the tragedy. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite voice, changing her seat as requested. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. that you saw all that I did." "Certainly, madam." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." eavesdroppers?' of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Clair, of Lee." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Seven!" I answered. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the happened." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I experiences." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" closely."