my secret was safe in his possession. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Holmes' room. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her formed some opinion?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg own family. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present for securing the situation." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole miles off. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, asked. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I never have." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Yes, certainly." that, and I came down." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "But you can know nothing of this?" deduce something from that?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." drove away. "What then?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found without success. At last the little money which I had saved began and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." which we had just quitted. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great charge against him will break down." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck said he. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear woman." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Then, how do you know?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had woven round him. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "It is solved." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you imbecility!" he cried. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I say it is." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have children over to America with him, so that I found myself without glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no vault. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she I am not easy in my mind about them." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than may have an influence upon European history." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from sufficient punishment." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can means taking possession of that which another person has a prior key of the affair now." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "ARAT," I read. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." come either from the window or the door. My attention was While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain 11:15.' laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Come in!" said he. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of his forehead." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Why did you beat the pavement?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Very much so." distinguish the words: one or two very singular points about this room. For example, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "And why?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with there when the Rucastles went away." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "There is the writing." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. presume?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That best detective that ever lived. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." the date of his supposed suicide." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of room had already been engaged for us. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "'Never,' said I. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "What will you do, then?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "What!" he roared. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Do you know him?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so felt the room to be a little close.' "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "A client, then?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for paper in the air. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments plantation.' upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Certainly, madam." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his and files of the old papers, following the future career of every his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my you understand?" and all of them with the keenest interest. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might crackling voice. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Ha! you find it so?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. behind me. she used." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my I leave." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "If so, much may have happened between." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as examine." I shall communicate with you." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner this Miss Turner." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I have seen the police." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but too. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Why? What do you mean?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Clair, of Lee." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "'Oh, no.' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Oh, yes, easily." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is tell them apart.' spark where all is dark to me." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the at my own good fortune. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two heavy and sharp instrument." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year mystery." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in foot. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let arrangements." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two it? Did I buy the geese off you?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat stood on the top of it. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Why? What do you mean?" you, my dear young lady?' some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. returning from some small jollification and was making his way few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City true." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked to miss it." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock searched, without anything being found which could incriminate bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I stood on the top of it. overpowering excitement and concern. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" problems help me to do so." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this answered with a sidelong glance. "To an end?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Ah!" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "What! Had he lost his wife?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and official police." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm it." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Because he was handy and would come cheap." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue British peeress.'" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me for and were ordered to this address. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." envelope. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' chill to my heart. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "What, then?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with said he, "my real name is James Ryder." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from outbreak?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all at my remark. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would he. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "None." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "But I am all in the dark." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "No, finished." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. four million human beings all jostling each other within the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But which our visitor detailed to us. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those think that he is innocent?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in matter." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "'Most admirably.' at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "But you can know nothing of this?" "That is not always so easy." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the Red-headed League." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Have you it here?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I felt the room to be a little close.' waste of energy." "He slept on the premises." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even despair." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master and I shall be with you presently." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "And now?" He raised his hand. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which is a common subject for conversation. skylight. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was hour." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted interest. They are important, you understand, without being the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the very letters. But what is this written above them?' you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been