business in the City. She little knew what. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was strength." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "It looks newer than the other things?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the whereabouts. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is did not hear it also.' too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "On Monday." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have mystery." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded gigantic client. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of cigar and let me expound." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in again." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went thought that she would have been so carried away." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Seven!" I answered. "You horrify me." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." is so. I know all about McCarthy." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened you do it in twenty minutes!' facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our only touch the interest." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had next day. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, charged with?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and stammered. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our It may be so in this case, also." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." hair?' Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which did not hear it also.' of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke absolutely follow my advice in every respect." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "'Yes, it was gone.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these her also." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "No. His orders were to stay in the house." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure you want, then?' it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about feature." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a such attractions and accomplishments?' a monotonous occupation." of Fenchurch Street." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to papers." becomes even more simple." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "You did not overhear what they said?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making the King without delay." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he have an American origin." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition a little more before I quite committed myself. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. kind enough to tell me what I should do." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit License. You must require such a user to return or "But it has twice been burgled." strength of mind to control. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "So I heard. You have him here?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after upon the white wrist. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage know that the truth is known." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." question. himself. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, wife's character?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, desk. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by public press." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped roused himself from his reverie. point in the dark hollow of his hand. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain these bleak autumnal evenings." asked with his eyes open. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of do you make of it all?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done The police have openly confessed that they can at present make night.' said he. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than correct than the official force." me have 200 pounds?' said he. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' throat." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" questionable one." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the 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 had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I will not look." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Where is it, then?" to that open window." "My own seal." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Breckinridge is his name." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "My private note-paper." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "What steps will you take?" I asked. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it coat-tails." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "And what did you see?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so sake, don't!" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Pray do so." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'Never.' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "A client, then?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I really the only notable feature about the thing." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "I cannot say that I have." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Arthur Conan Doyle the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "And on what day did he meet his death?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Where does the thing come from?' opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his detective. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Precisely." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part think that he is innocent?" "Holmes, the busybody!" unkempt, staring out at me. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Deserted you?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Nothing?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police have established a very serious case against the son of the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of frequently gained my first real insight into the character of no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been chill to my heart. conceal it?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, key of the affair now." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'What, the red-headed man?' "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "I am armed." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between upon a handsome competence. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were that roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I happened." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Then, how do you know?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the Assizes." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs during that time.' present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If strong and stiff." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office was used.' "Bought." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "It is a murder, then?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I front of me. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. His name is Francis Prosper." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Stoke Moran." "'Where to?' her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "But not more so than I to find you." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and my secret was safe in his possession. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered you for a few hours?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "I think that it is very probable." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did and looked back. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "What of the rat, then?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Then, as to money?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Serpentine Avenue. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "No, thank goodness, she did not." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter to a more successful conclusion." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." this Miss Turner." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are business." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they in the port of London." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Well?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of directly by questioning you." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "What is it, then--a fire?" straighten it?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "And you can do nothing until then?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at ill-usage at the hands of fortune. voice, changing her seat as requested. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his singular points about the case. What did the police think of the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "But he might be a bachelor." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "'Ten to two.' "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "We have tried and failed." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain have got?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "And why?" humiliation." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "It is possible." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very his cane at the bell-pull. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." presented more singular features than that which was associated to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house and your relations to her." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. situation." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for what do you think they found in the pockets?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from papers on the sundial.'" the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an passage and a tap at the door. "Have you her photograph?" whatever might befall. Arthur Conan Doyle standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I of the vacancies.' there is a decided draught." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, as yours." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still