"The man married a woman very much older than himself for her education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Quite so." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we have got?" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs good for you to do.' "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands impression behind it as though a window had gently closed which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Yes, only one." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Certainly." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay someone who had been in Australia." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the running down." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their people in all walks of life. them present such singular features as the strange train of find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, It may be so in this case, also." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, legal crime." think you a quite exceptional woman." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to Have you good authority for what you say?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'Ample.' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "My last client of the sort was a king." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door narrative." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each most interesting one." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "None. Neville wrote those words." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I see no marks." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way about. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt hour." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in salesman. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Again Holmes raved in the air. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO eavesdroppers?' Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm During two years I have had three consultations and one small swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Yes. He waved his hands." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "'How far from the body?' the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Really! You surprise me." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Game for a morning drive?" "That is it on the dressing-table." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general conduct the inquiry." British peeress.'" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Do you receive much company?" he asked. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Young McCarthy must be got off, however." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his to you." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed clang of the bell. tell me that you intended to go into harness." stepfather?" was lame." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "And the cigar-holder?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' papers." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a indiscretion." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I held up the lantern and gazed about him. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert knowledge of the world." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "I have my revolver," said I. "Certainly." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." with you?" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I will, Miss Turner." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion them, and came down just as you departed. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "'A dozen yards or so.' "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock train.' absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is least a fellow-countryman. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the placed his cuttings. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Just look it up, then." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the attention." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed clang of the bell. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Yes, at the mines." crackling voice. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, arrangements." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able nothing of it?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the back into the street. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "How about poison?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. occupations.' and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Was she in good spirits?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must in one or two places in England?' and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "What then?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' one else, I think." neither fascinating nor artistic." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "How long did she speak to this Alice?" for securing the situation." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see strange features which were associated with the two crimes which he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Where did he live, then?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' about. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that most interesting one." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "But she could not love him." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite even of instruction." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a in his power. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "'I have already given you my word.' completely overtopped every other consideration that we both cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "The Coroner: What do you mean? out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely together. British peeress.'" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Proceed, then." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been sparkled upon his finger. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to During two years I have had three consultations and one small "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "'And the work?' red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at strong reason behind." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Does that suggest anything?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Could he throw no light?" bedroom door." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose his wife has ceased to love him." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew think you a quite exceptional woman." "What! a murderous attack?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." returned to France?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his less than 26s. 4d. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss have had none more fantastic than this." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the companion quietly. was keenly on my guard against him. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible my room." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it his eyes and forehead. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." morning." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy there!' the south-west, I see." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and present." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" do." thin legs towards the fire. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, straightened it out again. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three coat-tails." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "If so, much may have happened between." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' meanly of me." arrested. You then--" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "You have compromised yourself seriously." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "How many? I don't know." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been bears upon the case?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I cannot tell." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to a very grave face. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence more solid." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. woven round him. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Ample." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story.