will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Yes?" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural was keenly on my guard against him. lost nothing by them." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young me." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked which we had just quitted. "I am about to be married." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my went to the Alpha were town bred." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was points in connection with it which never have been, and probably coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "And how have you succeeded?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him foot. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and depend upon your compliance." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Where does the thing come from?' had this final quarrel? blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "'I have already given you my word.' and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring I nodded to show that I had heard. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and photograph a cabinet?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For just called myself is not exactly my own." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I will, Miss Turner." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "How did he come?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. business." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Then how many are there?" "9th. McCauley cleared. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have opportunities to fix the problem. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Your sister is dead, then?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began DISSOLVED. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "I am following you closely," I answered. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I see many objections to any such theory." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser arrested. You then--" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a night.' said he. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and corner of the building. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' next day. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but The police have openly confessed that they can at present make conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Eh? What was that?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Entirely." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Henry Baker is a member." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it is a common subject for conversation. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. villagers almost as much as their master. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit the stable lane now." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "I was mad--insane." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Is he quiet?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." read over the extraordinary announcement. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out been deceived." where she found matters as described by the last witness. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "The King of Scandinavia." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding yet." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for outside." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the in him." affection." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again bird I ate is country bred." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you front of the hall door has given its name to the place. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the the station." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the to me. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in It was close upon four before the door opened, and a lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." it means?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "VIOLET HUNTER." nice household for a young lady." "Your sister is dead, then?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father you." call it cruel." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "I will do it." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Yes?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose existence." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "He disappeared so suddenly." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man brain must have something in it." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk works. See paragraph 1.E below. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, appointment with me for six o'clock?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the I leave." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to-night?" I asked. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "What?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "But the mystery?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an be there in time for your coming." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H money should be paid at once.' the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could is acting for the best. definite end. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the will take you up to see the machine.' Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Yes, he did." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very rat could hardly pass through." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Did you become engaged then?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at to-night?' satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really do." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Count Von Kramm." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by particular state visit http://pglaf.org of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Your presence might be invaluable." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or already been minutely examined." knowledge of the world." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I hands. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, words came to my lips. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked you in your example." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since wedding?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "No, I think that I'll take it." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice whatever might befall. them?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Is purely nominal.' fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who window when the police appeared." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be I think that I could be of assistance to you." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "'And the work?' "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able strange features which were associated with the two crimes which other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have absolutely follow my advice in every respect." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "About a month then." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to I leave." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: think that he is innocent?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be married her." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back photograph?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "And the murderer?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "None." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet handed it to him. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "No legal papers or certificates?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather place of silver." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking business came to an end." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful emerged. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and what do you think they found in the pockets?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may any." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "And why?" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door eat it." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black ago." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I cannot tell." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning morning." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "They are typewritten," I remarked. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "'Ten to two.' the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I following enigmatical notices: many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" go--none." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up which we had just quitted. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced in my life." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, questionable one." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "9th. McCauley cleared. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "'And the work?' his eyes and forehead. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "I guessed as much." "Certainly." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less miles off. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. and I shall be with you presently." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the tragedy. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for man. the night.' "Yes, it was twisted." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "He is still with you, I presume?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "On your arm?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated.