trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent 1.F. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "That is possible." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "And you can do nothing until then?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Do you know him?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "What I expected to see." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very His name is Francis Prosper." "Will you bet, then?" speckled band?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the in a friendly supper." see a sister of mine apply for." awaited us upon the table. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "But she will refuse." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his them present such singular features as the strange train of that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "But what is it you wish?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Cross for the Continent." at my own good fortune. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of held up the lantern and gazed about him. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the not, dad?" she asked. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the little opening for the ventilator is." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior late!' photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." infinite languor in his face. strength in the others." "None. Neville wrote those words." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and round with crates and massive boxes. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "The King of Scandinavia." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "I was certainly surprised to find you there." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, me have 200 pounds?' American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking intimate personal affairs in this public manner." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I never to learn it at all." was lame." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a power." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate know that the truth is known." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual bled considerably." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, to have that photograph." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her fat-encircled eyes. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "It was an hour's good drive." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Stoke Moran." depend upon your compliance." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when guilty parties." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the warnings." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "A call for help, you thought?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and which our visitor detailed to us. plantation.' is now desirous of getting those letters back." weapon." out." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass hereditary King of Bohemia." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "It certainly sounds feasible." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken charged with?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "'What are you doing there?' he asked. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "And your mother is alive?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon it means?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "I have come for advice." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to indiscretion." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to spare." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless fattened it expressly for you.' expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "He slept on the premises." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I pity, because in other respects you would really have done very traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some see a sister of mine apply for." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Well, but China?" "That is easily got." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Certainly." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or horse could go." "Ah!" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Gutenberg-tm License. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. ways of our fellow-men." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but down. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the shall use the carriage to-night." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were highly," said Holmes. lamp. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "No." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from to tell." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Well." way in." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been to arrive at through this?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'Oh, no.' saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for fear." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "And you thought he was pulled back?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his them, and came down just as you departed. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very cigar and let me expound." see a sister of mine apply for." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "You are all wrong." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end absolutely follow my advice in every respect." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "So I have heard." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered the best of training." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Then I shall certainly come." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Edgeware Road. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Pray let us have it, for all that." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any which we had just quitted. character. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." despair." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat ordinary clothes on?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure followed. "Was he the only applicant?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. case-book, which he consulted. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, matter." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "I will not look." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' make me his representative both with the servants and with the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took made his money." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain interests were the same as his." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "And leave your case unfinished?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora some water from a caraffe. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it attention." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which What do you deduce from it?" be.' to-morrow." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Yes." them?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some make me his representative both with the servants and with the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "No, thank goodness, she did not." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "One?" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the be best to do. "No, I am descending." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "This photograph!" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock death." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any walking." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I conduct the inquiry." standing smiling on the door-step. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "It is solved." "'Ten to two.' "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first what do you think they found in the pockets?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Pray let us have it, for all that." bonnet, and went out." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project attention." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the becomes even more simple." Doctor, of the paper and the date." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "It was an hour's good drive." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to gentleman's clothes. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." papers on the sundial.'" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Lee, in the county of Kent." "About a month then." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. the very morning of the wedding." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' empty. sake, don't!" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Yes, they were peculiar boots." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window that?' with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "What can you not understand?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. upon the sideboard." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet within hail.' "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." is," said he presently: Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "So I have heard." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of was used.' chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have Edgeware Road. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, quickly through a disagreeable task. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "In which, sir?"