Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third that there was nothing in it, after all." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly remarked. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found asked with his eyes open. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "And for present expenses?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as security.' heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my them, and came down just as you departed. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of brandy and water within his reach. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a helping a boy to put up the shutters. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was easy-going way." "Well." lectures into a series of tales." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. are, I think, all that we need." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or amused." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you keep the flames under. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace fait accompli?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "I cannot as yet see any connection." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a call the police, let the police find what they can.' and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "It certainly sounds feasible." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily over his head with a sweet womanly caress. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the of the vacancies.' but preventing her from injuring another. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as and looked back. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them seen the man in the road." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "But who is he?" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Nearly eleven." details." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Pray do so." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "And sit in the dark?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I am following you closely," I answered. maiden herself was most instructive." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "BALLARAT." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might obstinate." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I burst out into a roar of laughter. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Well, it is a possible supposition." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is his huge brown hands. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "I should be immensely obliged to you." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them ways including including checks, online payments and credit card clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in possible that we could bring him back to her? married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "'Why that?' I asks. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very will take you up to see the machine.' with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "No." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds own family. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of chance." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, true." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Where, indeed?" address. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I should be immensely obliged to you." meanly of me." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond least a most suspicious remark." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting golden eyeglasses. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "How did you trace it, then?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Why serious?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "The doctor?" "Did you observe the colour?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence outsides of the windows. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Holmes. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "What will you say?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got weary and pale-looking. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court ceremony." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most colour had been driven from his face. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about walking." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in instituted." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It was lame." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." him. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now writing, and yet I know it well." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from when your master had gone out." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I at home. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured know all about it," he snarled. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, 11:15.' "'Yes, I promise.' heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." deduce something from that?" second." me upon any point which I do not make clear." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, signal between you and your father? in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to arrangements." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both business." "The gentleman I describe." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts and prosperity to your house. Good-night." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Always." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by upon an income of about 60 pounds." him. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" letters?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their This is what he says: shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Dark enough and sinister enough." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "How did you trace it, then?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Pray continue your narrative." the station." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes call the police, let the police find what they can.' possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly is four-and-twenty." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I with her." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been nothing with him." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders prepare for the new role I have to play." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Yes, that is the Crown." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "If I can be of use." "When did it break out?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "And for present expenses?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" at my own good fortune. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we and no precautions can guard against." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Dark enough and sinister enough." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "It is a murder, then?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Murdered?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." But Holmes shook his head gravely. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the when you have done it." "Thank you. Pray proceed." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated your own bird, so if you wish--" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Stoke Moran?" said he. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the noting anything else of interest. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in once more. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but bird I ate is country bred." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "It is his hat." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just simple cases which are so extremely difficult." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Then how many are there?" father's young wife. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "I will try. What is it?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that me upon any point which I do not make clear." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting which I could not give. He asked for Alice. himself to tell his story. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless dramatic, in fact." thirty. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and lamp in his hand. name is different." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched upon the sideboard." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Not in the least." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding way: the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor,