thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Not him." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his to take care of herself." page at http://pglaf.org Holmes' room. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, at a side door. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "When did it break out?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this during which he might have communicated with his friend the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are yourselves in at night?" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his that you wished to speak to me?' what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Quite so. She has her freedom." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "'Quite sure, dad.' "'And what salary do you ask?' up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the bed, and you in that chair." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have you." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole anything to a woman, for she would have her way." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "And from a noble client?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "'Ample.' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of do.' the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared skylight. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "No more words. Get out!" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "It is true that I have been generally successful." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in use an arc-and-compass breastpin." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Get out!" said he. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Do you receive much company?" he asked. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave which should have the effect of calling the attention of the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Then you may be so with me." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Heh?' benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as article?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at in a very precise fashion." I think that I could be of assistance to you." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement some water from a caraffe. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "At the wedding breakfast." or other trace. But how on earth--" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we mystery." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She so.' myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would for the market.' wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and who was a member of your goose club." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Literary Archive Foundation every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "It was an hour's good drive." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Yes, it would be as well." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by your only hope of safety." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you money should be paid at once.' stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "No bad?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector sound at heart." DISSOLVED. lamp in his hand. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can do.' an introduction to him?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little awaited us upon the table. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "How did he come?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and society." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, developed." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "What!" he roared. room. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I ourselves in the office." Countess of Morcar's?" Farm upon the left." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers in the dead of the night?' "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of morning." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "But we can't all be." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "'Yes.' admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Where is it, then?" conduct the inquiry." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "You were travelling in the States?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were with you alone." "The gentleman I describe." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more this Miss Turner." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." that you saw all that I did." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "None. Neville wrote those words." "Nothing?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the that he has suffered." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'I shall certainly be there.' opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "That is unusual in a young girl." "Yes, I have one waiting." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton locked. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took advice." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your quick march!" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "'There is a drive, then?' "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That front of me. "Perhaps we may make them less so." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "I would pay ten." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in name is different." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock remarked. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This corner of the building. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an have got?" "But to whom?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "And for present expenses?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce papers." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite quickly through a disagreeable task. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which three fields round his house, and there he would take his Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband the Assizes." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" memory. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "What have you to say now?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "One?" Leadenhall Street--and--" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "It looks newer than the other things?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Thank you. Pray proceed." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the you want, then?' revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" know that the truth is known." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this orange pips. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "It is to him that this trophy belongs." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little and wait." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." them present such singular features as the strange train of the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "ARAT," I read. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Well, it is a possible supposition." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "I cannot imagine." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my salesman. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who Street. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and case before our client came into the room." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "But it has twice been burgled." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen delighted to hear it," he said. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "You will not go there first?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "There is the writing." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; room had already been engaged for us. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "What steps will you take?" I asked. 1.E.9. chance." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his to tackle the facts." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, read it out to me." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "'Where could I find him?' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "It missed him, then?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to before the coroner and the police-court." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' seen the man in the road." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I assure you that I am in your hands." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new really the only notable feature about the thing." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and village inn over there?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not his face. certainly do as you advise." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down,