legal crime." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is disturbance in my wife." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. vault. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" of Fenchurch Street." "What! a murderous attack?" "'Stolen!' he cried. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Sholtos." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "To an end?" if only as a check to my own memory." "What will you say?" money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the brain must have something in it." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Have you good authority for what you say?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his article?" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "If I can be of use." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Yes, it would be as well." Eyford." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. done what I asked you, Jones?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & to where he stood hid behind the curtain. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Stolen, then." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" head. So long, then!" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "It certainly sounds feasible." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Have you her photograph?" it." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and intimate personal affairs in this public manner." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the is acting for the best. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no upon an income of about 60 pounds." fasten all the windows?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Only as much as we can deduce." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "To an English lawyer named Norton." became a certainty. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "His face fell immediately. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, that I am arrested." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might it." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Were they all fastened this morning?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his chambers. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Then you may be so with me." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of highroad, where all traces were lost. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody points to suicide?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "My dear Holmes!" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Yes." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest directors, with the result that you have seen." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until towards the blaze. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "What is it?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" case-book, which he consulted. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest colonel looking down at me. the one as in the other." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time bedroom door." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled completely overtopped every other consideration that we both gigantic client. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other my special province." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Count Von Kramm." "Nothing." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Could he throw no light?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Oh, fresh and glossy." people in all walks of life. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the taking in every detail of the apartment. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of there were so many in the whole country as were brought together form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable that I may have something better before very many minutes are as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "In San Francisco, a year ago." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her in a very precise fashion." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end American. Then who could this American be, and why should he to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could beg that you will break it off." showing my impatience. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and wedding?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "What! Had he lost his wife?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You in this note: As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be I nodded again. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours not within a twentieth part of the market price." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "You have the photograph?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back infinite languor in his face. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "On Monday." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had without a word or a look. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with developed." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London might help us?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had affair. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and photograph?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "'It is locked up,' I answered. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made wedding?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but woman." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the fashion which was peculiar to him. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "How did he come?" humiliation." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie a good hundred miles off by now." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did following enigmatical notices: home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I cannot think." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Yes." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the to take care of herself." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Yes." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "No." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Eyford." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that security.' doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "A confidential servant?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a shall not find me ungrateful." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the as noiselessly as she had come. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Yes, the wine-cellar." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "And how?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "One of the highest in England." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "I will not look." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my suspect him." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you affection." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning conceal it?" within hail.' "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you shadow pass over his face as I spoke. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses have I gained?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." society." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Of Friday, June 19th." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His throat." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Yes, I have one waiting." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Yes, sir." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "My dear Holmes!" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the cheerful." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the strong and stiff." "What do you mean?" "I promise," said Holmes. third from London." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I will, Miss Turner." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, sake, don't!" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements Chief Executive and Director "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to was already answered. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "I was mad--insane." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. breakfast?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of you want, then?' His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "My dear Holmes!" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, weapon." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. in the port of London." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "There is the writing." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he this man was intellectual?"