happened." "But who is he?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." way: A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still and the church but not where the lady lived." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No despaired of." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew certainly do as you advise." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic figure." weary and pale-looking. would then never go into court at all." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I have solved it." notes," he said. "But what harm can there be in that?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit morning." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, read it out to me." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the address that was given us in the advertisement. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive suspect him." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, appeal." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "No, I think that I'll take it." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you with some details as to your case." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he daring than any effort of the imagination." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I promise," said Holmes. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "It is a murder, then?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon pierced for earrings?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "How did he come?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "And the cigar-holder?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was look dissatisfied." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the with you alone." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Absolutely none." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high for and were ordered to this address. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "I cannot imagine." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew o'clock is it?" Does that suggest anything?" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "No." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of suddenly upon us." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though you understand?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "May I see it?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the shall not find me ungrateful." "In answer to an advertisement." "No, finished." "What will you say?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind of the one which your family is now devouring." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "And Irene Adler?" "No, finished." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the window, rose as we entered. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to second." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the house with me." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. directors, with the result that you have seen." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "What office?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "And what then?" people don't know." the inquest, and which are worth considering." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up annoyance, but no jest. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and which our visitor detailed to us. interested in these little problems, and since you are good "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to will be renamed. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little closely." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in or other trace. But how on earth--" "And leave your case unfinished?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Indeed! Whose, then?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" to tell." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the bed, and you in that chair." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being until night should bring an explanation. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the little opening for the ventilator is." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical village inn over there?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. danger is over." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his you in yours." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "And you don't know his address?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round attention." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever you want, then?' will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this towards the blaze. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Never." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but enter into my head. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation will take you up to see the machine.' "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing all that?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the south-west, I see." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough your only hope of safety." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Well, some hundreds of times." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and sooner or later she must fall a victim. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Eyford." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "What then?" beg that you will break it off." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "'Is purely nominal.' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "The landlord of the Alpha." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Sutherland?" awkward doing business with an alias." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of advice." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "The knees of his trousers." of the way of danger. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the main points of my analysis." "That was it, sir." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain death." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." bill, which interests me deeply." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine questioning and rather startled gaze. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his this as likely?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "You will not go there first?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, tell me that you intended to go into harness." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." miles off. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE to you." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your brandy and water within his reach. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday thought that she would have been so carried away." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is letters?" sneer upon his pale face. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may woman." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Who by?" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "It is his hat." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, sake, don't!" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen in this way: armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for and put his glass in his pocket. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which me where it went to?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until been with you?" second." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' go--none." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "None." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. what is your own theory as to what took place?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'I shall certainly be there.' "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be your room." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me is," said he presently: admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Yes." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the south-west, I see." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in his cane at the bell-pull. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "My private note-paper." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Entirely." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the side-table." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Why? What do you mean?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. like gravel from a pit.' "9th. McCauley cleared. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Will you bet, then?" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could that you saw all that I did." "What! a murderous attack?" carriage. It was a chestnut." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and delirious. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he lips." "Dark enough and sinister enough."