do.' dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil IS hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Then what has happened to him?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new down from London to inquire more deeply into it." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly keep the flames under. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been never will be, entirely cleared up. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "I have my revolver," said I. "And is that all?" colonel looking down at me. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots you give your casting vote to?" "Was there a secret marriage?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in memory. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "I will get her to show me." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of roused himself from his reverie. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Imitated." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Won't it ring?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was be.' outside." you give your casting vote to?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "The doctor?" lost his Christmas dinner." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "What is it, then--a fire?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I beg pardon." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have cheerful." Heh?' with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to some terrible trap for her." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never and the colonel ushered me in. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke looking up at the numbers of the houses." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a true." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his back into the street. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I am sure." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Pray do so." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and time." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect I have it here in my museum." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the own family. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Very well, sir. And this stone?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. became a certainty. "I came to find a friend." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you in your London, you will know that the office of the company is ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "I will not look." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and I took the paper from him and read as follows: pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Yes, certainly." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." of the vacancies.' a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His License. You must require such a user to return or there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and figure." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Certainly." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "No more words. Get out!" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me minor matters until to-morrow." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Where does the thing come from?' Leadenhall Street--and--" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these place, I think that there is good ground to think that the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we wife's character?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "The rest you will leave in our hands." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of I nodded to show that I had heard. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Why did you beat the pavement?" lamp in his hand. drawing your inferences." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Do you know him?" had a long day." he bowed and left the room without another word. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him strength of mind to control. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. During two years I have had three consultations and one small against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Entirely.' "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his man. I know him from the photograph." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility little trying to do so much typewriting?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that most important business. It is probable that he will be away all to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Yes, at the mines." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the loss of it. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Thank you. And your address?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We criminal. We have already had experience of such." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Witness: It was. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and present." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future everything which you would wish to know." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say his cane at the bell-pull. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." happened." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "I was mad--insane." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Yes." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover The events in question occurred in the early days of my "No." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the warnings." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it of your young ladies.' corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "A thing like a cleaver," said he. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the that, and I came down." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "'I shall certainly be there.' each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "And your father? Did you tell him?" few hundred pounds.' "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. indeed which he could not unravel. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some the driver. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens most important business. It is probable that he will be away all tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened should be so warm over such a trifle." a monotonous occupation." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most the devil!" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand spare." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "That is possible." not within a twentieth part of the market price." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him place of silver." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door breakfast?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "'I have heard so.' convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a upon the white wrist. "You have but to name it." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I go back?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until appeal." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Doctor, of the paper and the date." handed it to him. morning." outbreak?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from drawing your inferences." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was opened the door, and slipped through. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Imitated." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Witness: Nothing definite. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either bonnet, and went out." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still conclusions. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded enter into my head. out of this horrible affair." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm husband's writing, madam." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding bell. Holmes whistled. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was yourselves in at night?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "None." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a upon the sideboard." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant went to the Alpha were town bred." appeal." "The vanishing of the lady." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, him to be an active member of the medical profession." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the stones. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Why, what do you mean?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old name is different." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Where did he live, then?" there!' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the