"Good God! What a week she must have spent!" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Yes, it was twisted." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Upon what point?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Yes." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to might help us?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking cigar and let me expound." a very grave face. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last dear old homesteads?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry happened." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. system of imprisonment?" Holmes. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." extraordinary contortions. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed relief. "An enemy?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the used to be." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "I am following you closely," I answered. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his shoulder. "Nothing?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "'Is purely nominal.' "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "We have tried and failed." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "It is half-past ten now." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the occupations.' one of them." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this and inquire as to the address." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." rooms." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had went to the Alpha were town bred." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight your own bird, so if you wish--" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were cup of tea. something of him before." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled foot. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. leaning back in his chair. three fields round his house, and there he would take his of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "By no means." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. any more." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have and prosperity to your house. Good-night." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and in a very precise fashion." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, himself in a perplexing position. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside could gather together that I was able to avert another public "One of his hands." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely to-night's adventure." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "And why in hopes?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small what is your own theory as to what took place?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a My friend smiled. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and glanced through. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the events than those which have happened in my own family." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "The landlord of the Alpha." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." arrangements." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." against a man in the prime of life?" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded amused." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "My dear Holmes!" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were that I can to serve you." himself. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a shoulder. "Did you become engaged then?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the young Openshaw's." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the is so. I know all about McCarthy." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, passage and a tap at the door. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause been able to understand it, in a very few words. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "And you thought he was pulled back?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single eavesdroppers?' her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left tightly behind him. "So I am. Very much so." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and effective." "When did she vanish, then?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his My friend smiled. that there was nothing in it, after all." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, colonel looking down at me. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "It is very kind of you." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always colonel looking down at me. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Not in a good cause." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a giving me time to thank him. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" made his money." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. his eyes and forehead. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very clang of the bell. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' nights." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my province." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to brain must have something in it." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people triumphant cloud from his cigarette. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "The murder was done with it." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Her father is very rich?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "I think it very unlikely." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up DAMAGE. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and populous neighbourhood." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet through." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." depend upon your compliance." examine." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his you?" "When did it break out?" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Stolen." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly existence." pound a week." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "If I can be of use." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang get the tickets." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "It goes to the housekeeper's room." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle retorted upon me, and I on you." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Then how many are there?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich three fields round his house, and there he would take his business at Coburg Square is serious." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing through." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Was there a secret marriage?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, me upon any point which I do not make clear." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Certainly, madam." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. true." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "'Entirely.' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "How about poison?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To you do it in twenty minutes!' "And how did you find out?" and effective." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get there were one or two details which were new to me. But the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "'In my own bureau.' previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "You have carte blanche." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous their singular warning or token before them when starting upon He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the stable lane now." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not your only hope of safety." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." do you make of it all?" ceremony." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the his forehead." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "But she could not love him." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside bell. Holmes whistled. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "And what did you learn from him?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight conduct the inquiry." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but feature." clang of the bell. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making appointment with me for six o'clock?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "I would pay ten." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she