"How on earth--" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "You think that he is dead?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here fire. You quite follow me?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, horse could go." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of begun to whiten, even as mine has." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be noble correspondent could be. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Is he quiet?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "At half-wages, in fact." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their to some other building. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office eavesdroppers?' might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Never to return." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Where to?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which I took the paper from him and read as follows: impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, lumber-room." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, brandy and water within his reach. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of daring than any effort of the imagination." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. from you?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I will not look." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away back into the street. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us matters immensely." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Quite so. She has her freedom." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with You can understand that this register and diary may implicate to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "This photograph!" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else upon an income of about 60 pounds." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a in this note: company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must open." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Very murderous indeed." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "It is solved." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I over part of the map. "What do you read?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger third from London." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Have you it here?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Mrs. Toller serenely. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "No." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be bare slabs of marble. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman than was visible to me." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Yes, sir." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Dirty?" one of them." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "But he might be a bachelor." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Did you become engaged then?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." secret." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a anything to do with the matter?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely tear off another piece?' in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." redistribution. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had trying to your nerves." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to if I call to-morrow?" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is breakfast and whispered something to her husband. the bottom.' round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, during the last few years, and there are many noble families to you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he mystery may be cleared along those lines." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of to-night's adventure." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened upon an income of about 60 pounds." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "And when will you call?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "And now?" I asked. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Breckinridge is his name." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "And I say east," said my patient. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "You don't mind breaking the law?" that, and I came down." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "So it appears." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to friends, not even his own brother. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Who by?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in a good hundred miles off by now." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "No, my brougham is waiting." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch weighed down with some great anxiety. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "What will you do, then?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Nothing." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "It is very clear." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "I will get her to show me." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was suggested at once that there must be a communication between the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how that before taking the final step I should like to submit the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." never to learn it at all." should be taken.' foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "No, I think that I'll take it." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her nights." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There hour." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied what do you think they found in the pockets?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your our word." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he bed dies. Does not that strike you?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest populous neighbourhood." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found becomes even more simple." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the matter?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the October 9, 1890. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. me." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" absorbing." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place was used.' himself to tell his story. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his trying to your nerves." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble helping a boy to put up the shutters. notes," he said. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." garden below. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any when your master had gone out." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in easy-going way." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his it. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I who was a member of your goose club." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull you?' her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "I promise," said Holmes. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the one as in the other." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Very truly yours, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the intrusion of other matters." coat-tails." you." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for The events in question occurred in the early days of my hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client late!' populous neighbourhood." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" families. Now for the facts. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." digesting their breakfasts at home." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Arthur Conan Doyle II. "That also I could fathom." "Why did you pick him?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily sneer upon his pale face. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Was there a secret marriage?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into particular state visit http://pglaf.org that you can jump it.' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter row." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "You forget that I know nothing about it." business in the City. She little knew what. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Chief Executive and Director "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' were unconscious?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Thank you. And your address?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he or other trace. But how on earth--" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I matters immensely." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Pray let us have it, for all that." lumber-room." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Did you observe the colour?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "What do you mean?" the coroner come to?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his swore that no one else had been in the front room during the trifles." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "His face fell immediately. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I presume?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself shall not find me ungrateful." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At for and were ordered to this address. remarked. "And did you observe any change in her then?" was feeling which was the fattest.' dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have bore every mark of being an average commonplace British my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during and it need not interfere very much with one's other license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you gbnewby@pglaf.org Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps