this man was intellectual?" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the The events in question occurred in the early days of my fear." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which tell me that you intended to go into harness." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "It is possible." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "But the mystery?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a to talk it over. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the devil!" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'Never,' said I. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens that I can to serve you." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I were wasted." meant it for the best. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "'What, the red-headed man?' "Then I do not see the point." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. minor matters until to-morrow." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the four million human beings all jostling each other within the "That is it on the dressing-table." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination chambers. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at at once, for I have only half an hour." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Quite so. She has her freedom." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "But what harm can there be in that?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit you give your casting vote to?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, there in twenty minutes." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, whereabouts. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, success. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out I approached. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Edgeware Road. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "On the contrary, this is the right side." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Where, indeed?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Where did you address your letters, then?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this gone before you can get him to hospital." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "But who is he?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a me upon any point which I do not make clear." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "It is no ordinary one." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property derbies." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "'Tell me all about it,' said I. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Yes." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you empty. experiences." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "'Where could I find him?' is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Henry Baker is a member." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "But the mystery?" gone. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." before, for it was considerably after midnight. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I dates and names. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the giving me time to thank him. but preventing her from injuring another. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "'I have already given you my word.' than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold my little problems." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To in one or two places in England?' Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he window when the police appeared." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "I have come for advice." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the and all of them with the keenest interest. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between http://gutenberg.net/license). Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but mysterious business." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "The landlord of the Alpha." with frightened eyes at his accuser. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his murdered man." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel whereabouts. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on interests were the same as his." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the his face. if I call to-morrow?" was used.' sake, don't!" morning." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." interests were the same as his." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them to where he stood hid behind the curtain. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this present." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. delighted to hear it," he said. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then hand, madam?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he status with the IRS. point in the dark hollow of his hand. them, and came down just as you departed. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said whether it answered to the description of any of their The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "'Where to?' wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time vague figure huddled up in the darkness. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice directly by questioning you." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I purpose equally well?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than strange features which were associated with the two crimes which him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "No bad?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, is so. I know all about McCarthy." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." obstinate." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural for securing the situation." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps gives a meaning to it." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are towards the blaze. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. whatever might befall. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of bachelor.' my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its this remarkable episode. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees past. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told used to be." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "It is possible." "Texas, I think." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of like that before?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a in this way: wedding?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "It goes to the housekeeper's room." chance at all." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my more solid." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Why did you pick him?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in kindly on the shoulder. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would as the one I chose?' a suggestive one." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ humiliation." "Which are?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One dramatic, in fact." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "You think that he is dead?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different bears upon the case?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Nothing." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a it means?" caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of voice, changing her seat as requested. to that open window." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and wedding?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good time." sparkled upon his finger. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "You have it, sir, just as it happened." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in for and were ordered to this address. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. it." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Never." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "By no means." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum unprofitable." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Munro.' particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "'How far from the body?' It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Did you observe the colour?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "And it is--" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'Which dealer's?' her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Countess of Morcar's?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole acted in my house last night?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short occurred." "What is it, then--a fire?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of union?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to records." disappearance of the bride.'" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching clang of the bell. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. call you and give you the chance." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to