which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a present." "'Stolen!' he cried. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Then how many are there?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Nothing." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." look dissatisfied." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "And that is--" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "To an end?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual relation between them, and what the object of his repeated strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan went to the Alpha were town bred." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her lids now and glanced across at his visitor. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of anything to do with the matter?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and stalked out of the room. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'Never.' Street. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "It is no ordinary one." tell me that you intended to go into harness." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years The King stared at him in amazement. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear taking in every detail of the apartment. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest became a certainty. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the better in every way that they should make their position a little that I may have something better before very many minutes are animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say tightly behind him. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "My photograph." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Tired-looking or fresh?" "You have carte blanche." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and learned something! Where are the gems?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "No." written, and locked the door of the office after me. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he stammered. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. depend upon my doing so.' peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." a little more before I quite committed myself. one of them." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to when your master had gone out." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic garden below. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. and capable of preserving a secret.' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I one of the states of the Union." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Serpentine Avenue. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the general public were present, then?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, this Miss Turner." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Yes." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Holmes' face clouded over. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "At the wedding breakfast." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, crime." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "And how did he make his money?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good new acquaintance to Baker Street. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "He said that you could solve anything." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Here?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "You heard nothing yourself last night?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." with you alone." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which wedding?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you own family. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the pressing in one house as in another. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an IS were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The over here." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you opportunities to fix the problem. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met she has been waylaid. There has been no result." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "On the contrary, this is the right side." me. You must get home instantly and act." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "That is not always so easy." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the house with me." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, hopeless attempt at recovering them." copied or distributed: "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with unclasping of his long thin hands. one which it was hard to resist. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "In answer to an advertisement." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Not in the least." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "It was an hour's good drive." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George girl said." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called followed. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his arrested. You then--" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "It was an hour's good drive." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day throat." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises ways including including checks, online payments and credit card gone. hair?' "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them happened." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" forebodings. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Yes, they were peculiar boots." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "You horrify me!" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a it right.' his forehead." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers again." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is towards the blaze. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "The knees of his trousers." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that possible that we could bring him back to her? "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare shall not find me ungrateful." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a as he remarks, very much against the son." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a that, and I came down." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope or in danger--" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent know that the truth is known." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "And Irene Adler?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which conclusions. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who woven round him. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Ample." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. money should be paid at once.' tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "He might." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon figure." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' until night should bring an explanation. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, helping a boy to put up the shutters. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and leaning back in his chair. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious October 9, 1890. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a brain must have something in it." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low is acting for the best. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from gone. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital prisoner's face. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Yes." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her then?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had one of them." and your relations to her." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from intrusion of other matters." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. important." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. are, I think, all that we need." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me from the brougham. which it had come upon my father." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Of Friday, June 19th." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an done what I asked you, Jones?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? posted to-day." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Now, then, what's the last entry?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it chemical work which was so dear to him. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "No." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be directly by questioning you." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Yes, it would be as well." companion. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at for securing the situation." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average dates and names. occupations.' as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "I cannot tell." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two