perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is had picked up in the wood. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer bled considerably." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." of a light. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Yes, he did." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Deserted you?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the been deceived." "I have solved it." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a wedding?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the as noiselessly as she had come. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that heavily into it. made his money." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "But his lameness?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was sofa. This way, please!" "'Why that?' I asks. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "I am armed." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord throat." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as third from London." "But what is it you wish?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Was he the only applicant?" "I never have." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my new duties?' tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, carried out of court." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and looked back. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate more solid." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Never to return." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Henry Baker is a member." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a friends, not even his own brother. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." visitors." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right drawing your inferences." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I written. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same weapon." "Never." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Yes, I have one waiting." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "My last client of the sort was a king." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret him nearly every evening." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a to take care of herself." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "It looks newer than the other things?" discontent upon his features. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "It is no ordinary one." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their opportunities to fix the problem. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "And what did you learn from him?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. kind enough to tell me what I should do." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "No, distinctly professional." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of to Leatherhead. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this suspect him." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and jewels which you have stolen?' whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "But to whom?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a remarked. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the best of training." "How often?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the that I can to serve you." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they me where it went to?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be easy-going way." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Then the page we have seen--" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "You did not overhear what they said?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, of." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate are, and they are waiting for us." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "None. Neville wrote those words." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only father's young wife. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might just called myself is not exactly my own." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "His face fell immediately. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining do.' "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. success. friend's singular character. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Well, it is a possible supposition." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a room had already been engaged for us. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your vanished into the darkness. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "That also I could fathom." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from that I am arrested." such attractions and accomplishments?' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Seven!" I answered. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "How can you tell that?" felt the room to be a little close.' there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Leadenhall Street--and--" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said fat-encircled eyes. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "My opinion is in no way altered." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Entirely." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these to-night's adventure." way in everything. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I young Openshaw's." "So it appears." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me retorted upon me, and I on you." Stoke Moran." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the quickly through a disagreeable task. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Never to return." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "'I have heard so.' propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "In heaven's name, what for?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any British peeress.'" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way room. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to he. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "The knees of his trousers." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull colonel looking down at me. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and chill to my heart. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical to tell." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "But you have hopes?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and off." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Come in!" said Holmes. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Frequently." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. maid will bring up your coffee." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." asked. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared works. See paragraph 1.E below. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Then I can wait in the next room." go--none." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a a monotonous occupation." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the coronet in his hand?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the key of the affair now." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "But you can know nothing of this?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I crime. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, address. are, I think, all that we need." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "What do you make of that, Watson?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, asked. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Why did you pick him?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his his knees, staring into the fire. someone who had been in Australia." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into bell. Holmes whistled. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Count Von Kramm." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers where we are going." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Can I be of assistance?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I am still in the dark." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is his knees, staring into the fire. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' bearing upon the case." you, my dear young lady?' "We were both in the photograph." bears upon the case?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who guilty one." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly more solid." "Yesterday." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that ourselves in the office." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Not social, then?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Yes, only one." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "What then?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven that you wished to speak to me?' "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "My private note-paper." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's to some other building. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the like that before?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in as noiselessly as she had come. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the roots. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I what is your own theory as to what took place?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I will, Miss Turner." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of walking." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the photograph a cabinet?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out electronic works woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of been with you?"