knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss fattened it expressly for you.' "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in some terrible trap for her." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he and that he would see to anything that turned up. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I excitement. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "None." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it said he. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Was the window open?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "And how in the world did you find them?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; few hundred pounds.' traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "'And the work?' that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "By no means." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather pierced for earrings?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" them, and came down just as you departed. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "I cannot say that I have." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." compunction about shooting them down." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Nothing?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. before, for it was considerably after midnight. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Did you become engaged then?" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have a monotonous occupation." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Holmes' room. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the despair." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in again on its way. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "In San Francisco, a year ago." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you which it had come upon my father." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been and I shall be with you presently." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Gutenberg-tm License. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Absolutely none." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a breakfast?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, 1.F. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself for the market.' have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "What will you do, then?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a some place of shelter and let the county police know what has you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it certainly do as you advise." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "How can you tell that?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. this Miss Turner." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" compunction about shooting them down." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "'It is locked up,' I answered. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "'Yes, sir.' "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question chill to my heart. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address go from here to the Strand." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you you." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three some mystery and the punishment of some crime." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is I held the little printed slip to the light. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Get out!" said he. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the loss of it. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "It missed him, then?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at easy-going way." that?' "Then what has happened to him?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, the tragedy. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his outbreak?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I think that it is very probable." "I cannot as yet see any connection." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me gone before you can get him to hospital." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Very much so." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in exactly what you advise." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." gbnewby@pglaf.org "Ah, but I was recommended to you." sneer upon his pale face. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the very letters. But what is this written above them?' any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, her also." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right wedding?" for its centre. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. is worth.' game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Where, then?" certainly not very gracious." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the go--none." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "How about poison?" not, dad?" she asked. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may written, and locked the door of the office after me. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out mystery." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "'No, I know no one in these parts.' from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the stones. "The Cedars?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "To an end?" Pope's Court. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight indiscretion." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of villagers almost as much as their master. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "It came here." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while recall any case within my experience which looked at the first They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." case-book, which he consulted. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a my room." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would delighted to hear it," he said. "Yes." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. everything which you would wish to know." "None. Neville wrote those words." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "We were both in the photograph." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the Assizes." "It is very clear." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable begin with, and I had not got mine yet." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "You have carte blanche." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "And from a noble client?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "By no means." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." to Leatherhead. "Yes." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant sit on the left-hand side of the driver." even so self-evident a thing as that." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he within hail.' "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, very old mansion. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the papers diligently of late, have you not?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal is worth.' are, and they are waiting for us." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an friends, not even his own brother. gone. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "No." formed some opinion?" "I was mad--insane." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. see a sister of mine apply for." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'There is a drive, then?' answered with a sidelong glance. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They that you wished to speak to me?' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears shadow pass over his face as I spoke. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as noble correspondent could be. "I answered that I had not. persecution?" morning." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Get out!" said he. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Then I do not see the point." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, friends, not even his own brother. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "By no means." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Nothing." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending sneer upon his pale face. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. to-night's adventure." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Dr. Becher's." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Chief Executive and Director was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," will take you up to see the machine.' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Chief Executive and Director that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Look there!" said he. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may 'please.'" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in trifles." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Holmes." next day. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here