that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the http://gutenberg.net/license). "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, were new raised from a basin. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." woven round him. asked with his eyes open. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as been." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "A thing like a cleaver," said he. instituted." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have details." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of upon a handsome competence. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was confronted him. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "'Yes, sir.' make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box stalked out of the room. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning one or two very singular points about this room. For example, any." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. where she found matters as described by the last witness. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly late." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round locked." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can all that?" "Then what has happened to him?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly bed dies. Does not that strike you?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my investigation." crowd. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "How many? I don't know." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found chambers. again." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. foot. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is were wasted." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." meant." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Oh, the cause is excellent!" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a easy-going way." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in noise which awoke you from your sleep?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. with some details as to your case." was shining brightly. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a any." "I fear not." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Then, as to money?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "No legal papers or certificates?" lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'Most admirably.' be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a I have it here in my museum." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Really! You surprise me." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I friends, not even his own brother. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "But the mystery?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "But she will refuse." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, that there was nothing in it, after all." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking business?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "I have seen the police." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Your sister is dead, then?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute it were putty." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method His smile broadened. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, burst out into a roar of laughter. nonsense.' "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been rat could hardly pass through." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own have one." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a returning from some small jollification and was making his way "I cannot tell." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE that I am arrested." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was open." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the tell him that I know him to be innocent." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. to-night's adventure." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I am all attention, madam." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." bell. Holmes whistled. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" in the dead of the night?' brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Well, some hundreds of times." when your master had gone out." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Yes, all." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps pity, because in other respects you would really have done very him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a fled together." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and it need not interfere very much with one's other Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at of receipt of the work. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or even of instruction." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly placed his cuttings. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. lamp. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler fat-encircled eyes. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to public press." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Mrs. Toller serenely. "Entirely." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a him. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to bled considerably." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, meant it for the best. foot. upon an income of about 60 pounds." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' affection." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the lumber-room." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'You cannot say what it was?' papers on the sundial.'" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "You forget that I know nothing about it." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace in his power. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Never." "Game for a morning drive?" never to learn it at all." "How are you getting on?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the cost them two and thirty pounds." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." which we had just quitted. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "How are you getting on?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable union?" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in way: your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are this man was intellectual?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of forbidden door. "Will you bet, then?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion most important business. It is probable that he will be away all and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it there when the Rucastles went away." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Yes." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern meanly of me." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "What have you to say now?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the mysterious end." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "You are all wrong." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "My dear Holmes!" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and mysterious end." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "'I am sure that I do not know.' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "And sit in the dark?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to 11:15.' nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Her father is very rich?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for child?' "Well, some hundreds of times." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal me have 200 pounds?' "On your arm?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was people in all walks of life. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the to-night?" I asked. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Street. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower and looked back. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a fishes. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a you?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "How did you deduce the select?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat delighted to hear it," he said. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one at a side door. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." following enigmatical notices: worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a province." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Of what day?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that there was no need for father to know." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there upon the white wrist. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Sholtos." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation