strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation time." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Yes?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken habit of advancing money.' meant it for the best. go--none." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Come in!" said Holmes. III. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and business." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was front of me. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I throat." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "I am armed." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! now. It seems that there had been some informality about their half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the tragedy. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "9th. McCauley cleared. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She and glanced through. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. infinite languor in his face. child?' "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "But you would not advise me to refuse?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the tragedy. "And what then?" said I. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and put his glass in his pocket. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Where did he live, then?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my leaning back in his chair. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he any more." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias more solid." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "I should wish to." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "But I have heard all that you have heard." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "You have a clue?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you flock.' said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'Oh, no.' "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by plantation.' "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear is," said he presently: and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so there is a decided draught." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "I am sure." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her think you a quite exceptional woman." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came then?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Always." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his acted in my house last night?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the that, and I came down." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of but preventing her from injuring another. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "You horrify me." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic noble correspondent could be. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from in the hope of finding them." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Is he quiet?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of developed." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "The doctor?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious neither fascinating nor artistic." "My dear Holmes!" make me his representative both with the servants and with the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, approach us with offers to donate. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Was she in good spirits?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "In the cells." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the answer." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar upon the shelf for the interim." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's copied or distributed: "Which surely he restored to their owner?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the hour." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "You are hungry," I remarked. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does despair." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me confronted him. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have details should find their way into the papers. Inspector jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." your bag." the morning and make my own way in the world.' congenial hunt. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "I will not look." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "What then?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." 1.F. "No." corner of the building. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness you." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, father's place of business?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about questionable one." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should had this final quarrel? during which he might have communicated with his friend the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began tension within him. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "No, I am descending." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his such attractions and accomplishments?' becomes even more simple." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you of." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the not come at once?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "'I am sure if I had known--' "I cannot imagine." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "That was it, sir." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can business came to an end." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the written. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Entirely." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, them, and came down just as you departed. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much it." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for sooner or later she must fall a victim. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, sake, don't!" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the running down." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have have been better. It is all right." "So I am. Very much so." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My laugh and put his lips to my ear. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' side. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and he died? without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "In which, sir?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet companion imperturbably. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "9th. McCauley cleared. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I was keenly on my guard against him. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to a very grave face. "And when will you call?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, least a most suspicious remark." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. better grown goose." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "'Very good.' all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the one which it was hard to resist. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but lids now and glanced across at his visitor. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An taking in every detail of the apartment. "Yes." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked works. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited likely to be some crony of the landlady's." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the case-book, which he consulted. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "And on what day did he meet his death?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Dr. Gregory B. Newby many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and sufficient punishment." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, entirely lost his self-respect." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I cannot tell." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge passage and a tap at the door. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Not I." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "This photograph!" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret guilty parties." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." daring than any effort of the imagination." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "So I have heard." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "It's nothing of the kind." Street. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "What?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a is now desirous of getting those letters back." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and ordinary clothes on?" he died? have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the that?' must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much