Farm upon the left." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the main points of my analysis." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger infinite languor in his face. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a him!" "My last client of the sort was a king." "How are you getting on?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after The events in question occurred in the early days of my It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "How many? I don't know." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the that I can to serve you." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that was the fact that his father should, according to his account, three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the address that was given us in the advertisement. I nodded again. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite I am not easy in my mind about them." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "It surprised me." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Come in!" said Holmes. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Did you become engaged then?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Perhaps we may make them less so." his fortune, and I went back to pa. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of side. pound a week." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the tied." furiously. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial happened." will not take me long to tell. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small for its centre. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Deserted you?" "But how?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "At the wedding breakfast." "An enemy?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that locked. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of south, for the country is more deserted there." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "It came here." soul! here is her carriage at the door." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "'Then let me do so?' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a coroner's jury." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction writing, and yet I know it well." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, into her hand at the door and which lured her within their power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "To an end?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a national property. I was determined that the law should have its writer." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. other, as fresh and trim as possible. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned investigation." "I cannot tell." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! true." better in every way that they should make their position a little you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "What office?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "You know me, then?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "'And the work?' following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at depend upon your compliance." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "If I can be of use." without a word or a look. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Quite so." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up for its centre. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so happened." weighed down with some great anxiety. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "I assure you that I am in your hands." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. I. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "And help." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "And your mother is alive?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "It was an hour's good drive." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be colonel looking down at me. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now of the efforts of the United States government and of the better you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Very much so." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several silent! Oh, he will be silent!' again before evening." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "And when will you call?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "You horrify me!" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. individual and becomes the badge of a society." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and looked back. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." business?" outsides of the windows. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Come in!" said Holmes. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned papers diligently of late, have you not?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, hurried by. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage examination of the premises, but without finding anything which than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the society." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Perhaps we may make them less so." he. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "I came to find a friend." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the south-west, I see." "My dear Holmes!" to some other building. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months status with the IRS. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the awaited us upon the table. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "No, but the enclosure is." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard outside. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and there were so many in the whole country as were brought together has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose it. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the not within a twentieth part of the market price." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to fait accompli?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. that he will be back before evening." "That was it, sir." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features cigars in their mouths. DAMAGE. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Yes, at the mines." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed friend's singular character. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' felt?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient gone. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "But he might be a bachelor." peculiar to him. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was begun to whiten, even as mine has." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he unclasping of his long thin hands. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "To the police?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, him to go away.' "Where, indeed?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "To the police?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Yes." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove relief. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "What are they?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if strength in the others." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down to take care of herself." the date of his supposed suicide." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. main points of my analysis." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all some city in a dream. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'What would be the hours?' I asked. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Count Von Kramm." companion. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there from you?" bonnet, and went out." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the I am not easy in my mind about them." secret." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very throat." "And on what day did he meet his death?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I down. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my about. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Why? What do you mean?" of the vacancies.' some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, dramatic, in fact." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged do you make of it all?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Stoke Moran." "Then the page we have seen--" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He at a side door. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she new duties?' "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "I see no marks." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Thank you. And your address?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this approach us with offers to donate. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it mysterious end." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I fat-encircled eyes. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a gone. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for girl said." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your