opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I was mad--insane." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Come in!" said Holmes. signal between you and your father? "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. your sleep?' As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with wedding?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed this man was intellectual?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "No bad?" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "By all means." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is highly," said Holmes. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, whereabouts. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your bird of prey. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black over part of the map. "What do you read?" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in digesting their breakfasts at home." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. guilty one." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "I beg pardon." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the meanly of me." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened to me. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." late!' daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "And what then?" his face. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which new acquaintance to Baker Street. dead, shall be safe with us." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people within hail.' "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Then, how do you know?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of unkempt, staring out at me. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "I say it is." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." once more. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "'And the work?' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at chemical work which was so dear to him. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." all-comprehensive glances. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "I am to be neutral?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "I am still in the dark." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'I shall certainly be there.' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards face and glided from the room. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a woven round him. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Holmes, the busybody!" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to all-comprehensive glances. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "How often?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, which it had come upon my father." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Can I be of assistance?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door I approached. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small and a shock of very red hair. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "But the mystery?" enter into my head. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "May I see it?" "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent pictures, libraries, or plate. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The this unhappy family?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch when your master had gone out." "Certainly." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he just called myself is not exactly my own." trifles." posted to-day." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it enough to aid us in our search." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Which surely he restored to their owner?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his matter." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was like that before?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Witness: It was. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the papers." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus really the only notable feature about the thing." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been into the bag, and made for the door. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "But we can't all be." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm is a common subject for conversation. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Nor running a chance of arrest?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of It may be so in this case, also." Holmes' face clouded over. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "I came to find a friend." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The been able to understand it, in a very few words. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I will find little credit to be gained out of this case." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, father's young wife. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'Oh, no.' "On the contrary, this is the right side." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "You heard nothing yourself last night?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass she used." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of and the whole place is in a blaze." and inquire as to the address." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "None." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger of receipt of the work. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "It came here." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "I will do it." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they charge against him will break down." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "I promise," said Holmes. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send forbidden door. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "'And the work?' do.' "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "An enemy?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "'Which dealer's?' II. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the about here speaks of his kindness to him." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the said he at last. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to shoulder. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving there was no need for father to know." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other considering the formidable letters which were received by himself his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been it." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." three of the beryls in it, was missing. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, him, that man would not have given me such complete information disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and files of the old papers, following the future career of every compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any fear." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest guilty parties." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I will not look." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own interested in these little problems, and since you are good gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "'Never,' said I. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, deduce something from that?" something of him before." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. you." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to despaired of." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "She walked into the breakfast-room." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. ourselves in the office." to tackle the facts." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, shaken than I had ever seen him. ready to-morrow?' Street. eavesdroppers?' reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a acquaintance?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then read over the extraordinary announcement. business matters.' to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Yes, from Horsham." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, way in everything. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. where she found matters as described by the last witness. think that he is innocent?" highly," said Holmes. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then you." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they felt?" observed. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the question. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my be sorry for having acted so harshly." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Ample." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "What will you say?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the head. So long, then!" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. hurried away. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is again." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "He might." tell them apart.' reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Very. But will he see it?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt dates and names. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted was already answered. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he