"You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Was the window open?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Awake, Watson?" he asked. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his look dissatisfied." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely companion quietly. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "If I can be of use." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "But she could not love him." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': crowd. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business back into the street. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them thirty. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we bird of prey. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking strode off upon his way. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his address. this remarkable episode. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "'You cannot say what it was?' "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line that threaten you." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "I beg pardon." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is public press." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured that you saw all that I did." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Absolutely?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in answered with a sidelong glance. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker enter into my head. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a habit of advancing money.' Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." you understand?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I should like to see him very much." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was had a long day." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every colour had been driven from his face. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it of the vacancies.' instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible License. You must require such a user to return or "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some all-comprehensive glances. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the warnings." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated showing my impatience. chair. not fit the lock." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the closely." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "How on earth--" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Yes." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and indiscretion." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. once more for Briony Lodge. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "One of his hands." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "You have a clue?" "It was an hour's good drive." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and chamber." any little problem which you may submit to me." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem 'I should be able to look after that for you.' innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect them?" "What then?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be question," said Holmes, smiling. I held the little printed slip to the light. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may one's self under obligations.' "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never which it had come upon my father." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his of your young ladies.' fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a your Highness to the police-station?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Yes, that is the Crown." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "No." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Come in!" said he. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'Certainly not. But why?' fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I sake, don't!" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Farm upon the left." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying British peeress.'" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt manager. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders and wait." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found always that they were such commands as a lady might with Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Then, as to money?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into garden below. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! vault. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage kindly on the shoulder. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The and a shock of very red hair. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought grasp, he hurried from the room. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire to miss it." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Stolen, then." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining fire. You quite follow me?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the a very grave face. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came woven round him. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week the station." window when the police appeared." http://www.gutenberg.net my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce was not a bird to be seen there. must be when I saw the door open.' makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "My dear Holmes!" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'It is locked up,' I answered. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been tell them apart.' think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me fattened it expressly for you.' Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." until night should bring an explanation. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, were new raised from a basin. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "On your arm?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Your sister is dead, then?" will not take me long to tell. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties in this way: returning from some small jollification and was making his way been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without to-night's adventure." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all fattened it expressly for you.' play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Dr. Becher's." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Yes, the wine-cellar." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "None." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a yourselves in at night?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "It is possible." "It came here." gone. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. pound a week." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to a good hundred miles off by now." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "But you have hopes?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Were they all fastened this morning?" "My stepfather's business papers." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the to affect your life." forbidden door. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out fishes. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly leave you to your papers for a little." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "'And what are they worth?' I asked. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes just ask you whether you had heard it.' crime." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment a monotonous occupation." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Can I be of assistance?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand himself in a perplexing position. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Always." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the persecution?" shoulder; "he's all right." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet noble correspondent could be. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "It must be recovered." the driver. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the to me. jewels which you have stolen?' was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, instincts rose up against that laugh. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, bonnet, and went out." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "No, distinctly professional." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all which should have the effect of calling the attention of the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "He said that you could solve anything." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on following enigmatical notices: without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "He said that you could solve anything." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it is acting for the best. ceremony." the loss of it. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Eh? What was that?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Pray do so." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Certainly." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a John Swain, of St. Augustine. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no if only as a check to my own memory." girl said." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had wedding?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'No, I know no one in these parts.' the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'You doubt its value?' he asked. you." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." depend upon my doing so.' cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest be.' desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway to miss it." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I upon the white wrist. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since ways including including checks, online payments and credit card peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project success. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have