appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope I think that I could be of assistance to you." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Then I shall certainly come." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with existence." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. which it had come upon my father." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is again on its way. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was writer." "10th. John Swain cleared. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he with her." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I gigantic client. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "You think so, too?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Murdered?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be get the tickets." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Oh, yes, easily." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. best detective that ever lived. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. have got?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Did you observe the colour?" repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such something of him before." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Here?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Tired-looking or fresh?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Cross for the Continent." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were have an American origin." of the one which your family is now devouring." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two within hail.' "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have bedroom door." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can lumber-room." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower and all of them with the keenest interest. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which him nearly every evening." "And from a noble client?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's bell. Holmes whistled. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning amused." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for upon the white wrist. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "And leave your case unfinished?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, tightly behind him. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as too. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his outside." carriage. It was a chestnut." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we rat could hardly pass through." "Never." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there distance from the station, and there we found the young lady and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" it." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between companion. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "You saw the ventilator, too?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I hour." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Never." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in neither fascinating nor artistic." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "He disappeared so suddenly." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "She told me to ask you." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it question," said Holmes, smiling. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always constraint." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington prison!" "And help." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day was a lad." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just passage and a tap at the door. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the upon the shelf for the interim." lamp in his hand. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Nothing?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I and glanced through. "But you can know nothing of this?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I cannot tell." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a from you?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** October 9, 1890. you?" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock made his money." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be undoubtedly my uncle's." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and forebodings. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "If I can be of use." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is green of the new foliage. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my quite distinctive." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a http://gutenberg.net/license). I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner The events in question occurred in the early days of my "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "I have solved it." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. upon the sideboard." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Where, indeed?" Countess of Morcar's?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of astonishment. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons rooms." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" must compliment you." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check purpose of examination. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "9th. McCauley cleared. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "But what is it you wish?" orange pips. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Nothing." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Bought." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a following enigmatical notices: loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I was mad--insane." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. lips." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional companion. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might him nearly every evening." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "A call for help, you thought?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress head. So long, then!" "I see no marks." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Sutherland. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, money should be paid at once.' mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "You have a clue?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Of what day?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I have a cab outside." "Stolen." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Who was the criminal, then?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a success. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "You think that he is dead?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this is," said he presently: seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Get out!" said he. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my at a side door. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured bell. Holmes whistled. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much wanted for ourselves." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'What, the red-headed man?' During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which followed. morning." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking has little to do with my story." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." have one." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, certainly not very gracious." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we before the coroner and the police-court." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he maiden herself was most instructive." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The fashion which was peculiar to him. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features will be renamed. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' unprofitable." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from of receipt of the work. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the charge against him will break down." closing the door. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small hair?' "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Did your wife hear all this?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "But you were on a friendly footing?" is a common subject for conversation. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in was used.' grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the II. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize it means?" particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "I never have." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' that the gas is not laid on in his house?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Miss Holder?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my unprofitable." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "My dear Holmes!" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered coat-tails." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly standing smiling on the door-step. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some manager. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of were unconscious?" burst out into a roar of laughter. undoubtedly my uncle's." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." grasp, he hurried from the room. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and Where does the thing come from?' thin, with a long, sharp nose?" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the nursery. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me