"Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Not yet." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late fait accompli?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Lestrade of Scotland Yard." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "None." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "That sounds a little paradoxical." she to prove their authenticity?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. to tell." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I was mad--insane." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." said I. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "'Entirely.' "And now?" He raised his hand. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The bonnet, and went out." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's when you have done it." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the window, rose as we entered. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "But I have heard all that you have heard." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. photograph?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "I was sure that I might rely on you." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature fashion which was peculiar to him. "He is dead," cried several voices. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I there!' Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest best detective that ever lived. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. you." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be corner of the building. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "What, then?" of it with the greatest attention. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My must be when I saw the door open.' homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "'Ample.' carried out of court." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to all?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Does that suggest anything?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Stolen, then." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the bed, and you in that chair." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the case before our client came into the room." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham to his chemical studies. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a off." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked that I am arrested." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should photograph a cabinet?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the window, rose as we entered. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do in my life." third from London." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the Literary Archive Foundation landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'Then let me do so?' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined them?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "When did it break out?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the I think that I could be of assistance to you." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a think that he is innocent?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has directly by questioning you." the devil!" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Surrey." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Ha! you find it so?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the so-precious time, but come!' playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, to-night?" I asked. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are breakfast." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' were unconscious?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the that he will be back before evening." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the stones. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is For additional contact information: was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "I answered that I had not. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less fear." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Where, indeed?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Were they all fastened this morning?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own knowledge of the world." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Sholtos." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Which are?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of all that?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "And for present expenses?" "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced at my remark. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you more terrible than the truth. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the footfalls from the street. "Then you may entirely rely on me." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the purpose of examination. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I fluttered off among the others. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" him. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely companion. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "'What, the red-headed man?' was it brought him the coronet? located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the with some details as to your case." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Is he quiet?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw yet." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something paper in the air. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "You forget that I know nothing about it." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter been anything against him. He had for years been known as a purpose equally well?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of lamp. case-book, which he consulted. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and could not have written that. It is the German who is so rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "I beg pardon." thin legs towards the fire. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged desk. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we death." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been you." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the are, and they are waiting for us." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a results." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are followed. during which he might have communicated with his friend the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Yes. He waved his hands." of Mr. Rucastle's." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Of Friday, June 19th." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "But what will you do?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried and put his glass in his pocket. rooms." "Never." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her the child." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and John Swain, of St. Augustine. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one of Mr. Rucastle's." the little opening for the ventilator is." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in me where it went to?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Absolutely?" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "That is unusual in a young girl." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or question," said Holmes, smiling. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of to-night." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you way in." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Literary Archive Foundation "Pray be precise as to details," said he. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be stepfather?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Her father is very rich?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "And how did he make his money?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the matter." "Your presence might be invaluable." empty. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "The doctor?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second fait accompli?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'It is locked up,' I answered. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge one else, I think." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' province." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you delirious. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I But Holmes shook his head gravely. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the was used.' INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the entirely lost his self-respect." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited to a light-house. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an John Swain, of St. Augustine. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night that threaten you." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced to-night." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "And you thought he was pulled back?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by we went to search for him, face downward in a little