waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers jewels which you have stolen?' can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. voice, changing her seat as requested. "Was your sister dressed?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Certainly." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "'Oh, no.' observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I am all attention, madam." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "What can you not understand?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." hereditary King of Bohemia." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's posted to-day." "You did not overhear what they said?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which strong reason behind." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is now. It seems that there had been some informality about their may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child bird I ate is country bred." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "'Oh, no.' abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Where is it, then?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is III. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical everything which you would wish to know." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Always." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the it with his own hands." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "How about poison?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, me. You must get home instantly and act." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "He might." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of for the market.' "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall these bleak autumnal evenings." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for know that the truth is known." back into the street. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "How long did she speak to this Alice?" with the outside air!" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought his knees, staring into the fire. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It problems help me to do so." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. was a loud and authoritative tap. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "None." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. three of the beryls in it, was missing. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Was your sister dressed?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No bill, which interests me deeply." drawing your inferences." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord which are rolled in Rotterdam." "And your father? Did you tell him?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the easy-going way." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely to take care of herself." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day dead, shall be safe with us." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we has little to do with my story." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly your room." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything where Mr. Fordham shows you.' of them has the shutters up.' association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "That was it, sir." presume?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. for and were ordered to this address. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Ah, but I was recommended to you." has little to do with my story." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the I think that I could be of assistance to you." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "And why in hopes?" "None." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid success. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she even so self-evident a thing as that." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Then he might have called to you?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Holmes' room. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in singular points about the case. What did the police think of the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Holmes. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Pope's Court. round with crates and massive boxes. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a electronic works handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the dangers which encompass me." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "'Yes.' The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "What is it?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or hard-headed British jury." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates garden below. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, overpowering excitement and concern. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." chemical work which was so dear to him. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the writer." furiously. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And that he has suffered." already been minutely examined." this remarkable episode. "'Then let me do so?' coroner's jury." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door your Highness to the police-station?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "No sign of it?" burst out into a roar of laughter. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Will you go?" his wife has ceased to love him." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given in this note: became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done unclasping of his long thin hands. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, questioning and rather startled gaze. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. correct than the official force." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, some city in a dream. photograph?" as he remarks, very much against the son." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, followed. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Then I can wait in the next room." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in if she died from some sudden fright." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that ordinary clothes on?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I hand, madam?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "And what did you learn from him?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than now. It seems that there had been some informality about their gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "You'll never persuade me to believe that." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my in a friendly supper." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out correct than the official force." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, passage and a tap at the door. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just without success. At last the little money which I had saved began which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, it." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst three of the beryls in it, was missing. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Then how many are there?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" province." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Ten will be early enough." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Henry Baker is a member." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Have you good authority for what you say?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "And why?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near use an arc-and-compass breastpin." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "It is solved." "Then how many are there?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than matter over." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed way: with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I promise," said Holmes. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "It's nothing of the kind." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past and put his glass in his pocket. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "And what did you learn from him?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Sutherland?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, is four-and-twenty." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for imbecility!" he cried. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'In my own bureau.' lumber-room." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, excitement. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned secret." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should tassel actually lying upon the pillow. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'It is locked up,' I answered. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were everything which you would wish to know." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for nonsense.' there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and cause to be." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Eyford." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Yes." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go But Holmes shook his head gravely. again, where I was soon asleep. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from