settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. as yours." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son said I. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a against a man in the prime of life?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "She showed me, as I told you she would." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not thirty. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. nothing with him." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a front of me. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a as noiselessly as she had come. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'A dozen yards or so.' have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But hardly wander." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to has little to do with my story." matters immensely." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I never have." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as narrative." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I will try. What is it?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "None." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "In what way?" asked Holmes. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several in this note: It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Yes?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that have been better. It is all right." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very horse could go." I approached. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Stolen." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to troubles have been weighing upon his mind. went to the Alpha were town bred." do." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had yet." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "No." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "My opinion is in no way altered." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To ago." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to of it with the greatest attention. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "That is unusual in a young girl." delirious. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a client, rising. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Did you observe the colour?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred what do you think they found in the pockets?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Absolutely none." galvanised. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Stolen." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan 'please.'" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing tail." mystery!" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. best detective that ever lived. that he will be back before evening." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging wanted for ourselves." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. I was concerned in it." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." page at http://pglaf.org strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking straightened it out again. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the breakfast?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the October 9, 1890. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Come in!" said he. "At what time?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it McCarthy." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his discontent upon his features. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "But how could you guess what the motive was?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "We must have a cab." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm all that?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he outbreak?" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "To the police?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old works. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Where, indeed?" fishes. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in have accepted such a situation. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, address. "Really! You surprise me." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry in this way: original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with to his chemical studies. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "You think that he is dead?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey laugh and put his lips to my ear. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the ceiling. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per the iron safe, which he closed upon it. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is man. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Here?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a man. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "It missed him, then?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, details." "There is the writing." asked. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our States. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed records." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "That sounds a little paradoxical." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "'You doubt its value?' he asked. during which he might have communicated with his friend the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his there!' does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and room?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no strength of mind to control. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the warnings." "I was sure that I might rely on you." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and had this final quarrel? enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "But not more so than I to find you." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "You will not go there first?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her lamp in his hand. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "What do you mean?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "But she will refuse." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads I shall continue with my miserable story. shall not find me ungrateful." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come own family. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you said Mr. Holder. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Yes, from Horsham." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too trying to your nerves." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any impression behind it as though a window had gently closed high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave see a sister of mine apply for." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just companion imperturbably. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Not I." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. that threaten you." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I will be renamed. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped locked." my little problems." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It could gather together that I was able to avert another public discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, learned something! Where are the gems?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "But how?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Farm upon the left." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Yes. He waved his hands." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Holmes' room. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. are, I think, all that we need." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." how narrow had been my escape. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "A client, then?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Well?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father off." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own What do you deduce from it?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the iron safe, which he closed upon it. be there in time for your coming." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Did he not advertise?" back into the street. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "He disappeared so suddenly." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "The murder was done with it." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "But it has twice been burgled." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Then I do not see the point." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There province." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the once more for Briony Lodge. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and never will be, entirely cleared up. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over address. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming His name is Francis Prosper." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "You don't mind breaking the law?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my