low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "No, I had a dozen." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be became a certainty. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep hands. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. with some details as to your case." which we had just quitted. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where have I gained?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by His smile broadened. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so country, and eventually married, without anyone having a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Very truly yours, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to interested in these little problems, and since you are good as the one I chose?' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'Where could I find him?' great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "My Mary? Impossible!" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as true." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Street. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the from you?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "And for present expenses?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." ventilator." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram furiously. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the coroner come to?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go fear." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost a room. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." hopeless attempt at recovering them." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "'Which dealer's?' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? floor. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, may have an influence upon European history." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would remarked. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my considering the formidable letters which were received by himself case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his a few minutes he said that it would be all right. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just a little more before I quite committed myself. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Why did you beat the pavement?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "I am still in the dark." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "You think that he is dead?" already been minutely examined." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but galvanised. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round other means.' of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would what do you think they found in the pockets?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand case before our client came into the room." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." think that he is innocent?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of hour?' father's young wife. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a John Swain, of St. Augustine. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "'What then?' I asked. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help at my remark. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' meant." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom copied or distributed: Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather get the tickets." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "When did she vanish, then?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "How can you tell that?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "A thing like a cleaver," said he. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, skylight. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "I cannot tell." at a side door. became a certainty. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his bill, which interests me deeply." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain was used.' beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. annoyance, but no jest. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "'Yes, sir.' "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular strange features which were associated with the two crimes which from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be helping a boy to put up the shutters. Mrs. Toller serenely. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power pound a week." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my whether it answered to the description of any of their I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "That you are never beaten." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention fashion which was peculiar to him. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "I see many objections to any such theory." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so an introduction to him?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I think it very unlikely." the salesman. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "No." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was forbidden door. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be my former friend and companion. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, case-book, which he consulted. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in gbnewby@pglaf.org "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come will find little credit to be gained out of this case." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that what do you think they found in the pockets?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what that he has suffered." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. of his shoulders. to surprise her." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in London for the present?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Sholtos." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "'Most admirably.' points to suicide?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Did you observe the colour?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "None." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Pray do so." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings of a light. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the station." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you call it cruel." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker I think that I could be of assistance to you." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that rooms." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my do you make of it all?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to directors, with the result that you have seen." outside. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and own family. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, meant." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods friends, not even his own brother. arrested. You then--" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to me where it went to?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the fear." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black system of imprisonment?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "I have hopes." "My dear Holmes!" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her father's place of business?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the October 9, 1890. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "That is unusual in a young girl." I think that I could be of assistance to you." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A you want, then?' The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "'Entirely.' the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "And you thought he was pulled back?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same upon the sideboard." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which it with his own hands." detained." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. I leave." Cross for the Continent." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired simple cases which are so extremely difficult." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Have you her photograph?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be to-night?' his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "But the mystery?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "One of the highest in England." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for hour." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just for the market.' society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the row." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much key of the affair now." father's young wife. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a