the roots. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two lips." "What I expected to see." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody be sorry for having acted so harshly." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I am following you closely," I answered. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy pierced for earrings?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both posted to-day." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the more terrible than the truth. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. a very grave face. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "What can you not understand?" "The Cedars?" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as be best to do. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. very old mansion. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "But you have hopes?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I compunction about shooting them down." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Henry Baker is a member." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two your most interesting statement." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the developed." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had bachelor.' since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a remarked. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, It may be so in this case, also." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me tassel actually lying upon the pillow. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing morning." papers must be those that are destroyed.' wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official window when the police appeared." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Of what?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in throat." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had be.' remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I if she died from some sudden fright." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and could gather together that I was able to avert another public "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all wife's character?" then?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the 1.F. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her tell them apart.' "In the cells." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Stolen, then." your only hope of safety." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "We must sit without light. He would see it through the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and strong and stiff." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Holmes, the busybody!" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in to have been novel and of interest." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has other, as fresh and trim as possible. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by and have this put in the evening papers." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. humiliation." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A people don't know." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in of receipt of the work. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to you give your casting vote to?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the stable lane now." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, take the flies, but not before." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the his grey eyes. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "'Yes, I promise.' an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "But she could not love him." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a question," said Holmes, smiling. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on is four-and-twenty." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at get the tickets." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the Friday. Was it to be in church?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Witness: It was. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his 1.F. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." conclusions. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Young McCarthy must be got off, however." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "If I can be of use." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "And now?" I asked. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your indiscretion." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life place, I think that there is good ground to think that the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon you." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they tear off another piece?' suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it she to prove their authenticity?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. you understand?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce that *** START: FULL LICENSE *** almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed outbreak?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged noise which awoke you from your sleep?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "You are all wrong." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into seen the man in the road." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my God! What an exposure! What can I do?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." evidence," I remarked. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or there is a decided draught." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Yes." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "'No, I know no one in these parts.' springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. what do you think they found in the pockets?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here other lovers by making love himself." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "And what did you learn from him?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty little adventures." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Thank you. And your address?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the hurried away. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every writers could invent nothing more crude." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Very well, sir. And this stone?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other awaited us upon the table. the coronet in his hand?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy time." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could here." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there never came back." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the best of training." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "And why?" "'There is a drive, then?' preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some and the whole place is in a blaze." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "You know me, then?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at breakfast?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Perhaps we may make them less so." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "From his hat?" congratulate you again." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this becomes even more simple." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, populous neighbourhood." affair. "Yes." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Holmes' face clouded over. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "I will, Miss Turner." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian quickly through a disagreeable task. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" My friend smiled. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw undoubtedly my uncle's." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'You doubt its value?' he asked. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a nights." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Yes." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Perfectly so." shoulder; "he's all right." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and the south-west, I see." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" if only as a check to my own memory." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Of Friday, June 19th." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Pray do so." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." murdered man." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks