expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would begun to whiten, even as mine has." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "The Cedars?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of subject to the trademark license, especially commercial in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. instituted." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Witness: I must still refuse. "What of the rat, then?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Look there!" said he. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent McCarthy's innocence. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a of them has the shutters up.' and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet the south-west, I see." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up sound at heart." be there in time for your coming." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had have been better. It is all right." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her his cane at the bell-pull. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "But it has twice been burgled." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that vault. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I 'please.'" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to stalked out of the room. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "What, then, did Peterson do?" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No of Mr. Rucastle's." "Very much so." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "10th. John Swain cleared. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, pictures, libraries, or plate. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the occupations.' 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they room had already been engaged for us. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised upon the shelf for the interim." the coronet in his hand?" distinguish the words: "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. assist you in forming an opinion." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never a good hundred miles off by now." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most in a very precise fashion." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Game for a morning drive?" the little opening for the ventilator is." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." there has been an enclosure here!" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to fact, we may call it conclusive." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a get the tickets." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. direction." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. not within a twentieth part of the market price." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial be.' the roots. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Breckinridge is his name." both be extremely obliged.' what is your own theory as to what took place?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by on re-entering her father's house?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the a suggestive one." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away definite end. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "'Yes, I promise.' It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "That is unusual in a young girl." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of was feeling which was the fattest.' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the his cane at the bell-pull. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel morning." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "How many? I don't know." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Yes, certainly." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of burst out into a roar of laughter. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the business in the City. She little knew what. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search use an arc-and-compass breastpin." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. John Swain, of St. Augustine. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique kindly on the shoulder. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed mysterious business." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a in. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. fasten all the windows?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "A call for help, you thought?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the one else, I think." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., to go into your room and bar your shutters?" secret." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really with some details as to your case." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Always." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, have got?" you." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the bird of prey. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "What have you done?" asked Holmes. signal between you and your father? "The rest you will leave in our hands." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Munro.' He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. happened." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have envelope. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you have accepted such a situation. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to sound at heart." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." to some other building. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check out of this horrible affair." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk such attractions and accomplishments?' transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Oh, the cause is excellent!" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable grasp, he hurried from the room. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would it. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his passage and a tap at the door. light and attacked it." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face and put his glass in his pocket. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that instincts rose up against that laugh. unkempt, staring out at me. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "But you have hopes?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me depend upon your compliance." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "And I." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the second window is the one that I jumped from." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the coronet in his hands?" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no nonsense.' "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "But his lameness?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "A client, then?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had once more. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "We have tried and failed." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of as this. Pray let me have the details." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in were wasted." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were 'please.'" your own bird, so if you wish--" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "How can you tell that?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Yes." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there hands. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Did you observe the colour?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out long narrative. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened should be so warm over such a trifle." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "My own seal." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue your own bird, so if you wish--" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "The gentleman I describe." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout even so self-evident a thing as that." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Yes, all." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open as he folded up the epistle. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local as the one I chose?' instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say himself to tell his story. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really From what you have told me I think that it is possible that of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which bonnet, and went out." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "She will not sell." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon goes." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "It is very clear." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Chief Executive and Director attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical forbidden door. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of