comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "ARAT," I read. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker all that?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, your bag." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "No?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Then, as to money?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Count Von Kramm." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project ways of our fellow-men." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was use an arc-and-compass breastpin." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the entirely lost his self-respect." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Dirty?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Yes." get her out of the way." What do you deduce from it?" my friend's incisive reasoning. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing helping a boy to put up the shutters. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., so far?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets chambers. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father fattened it expressly for you.' "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, residence of the great financier. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "You saw the ventilator, too?" was shining brightly. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her mystery!" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to companion. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "At half-wages, in fact." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very is acting for the best. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'Certainly not. But why?' back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "You have a clue?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for away in different directions, and I went off to make my own him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "And why in hopes?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which upon a handsome competence. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not himself to tell his story. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Serpentine Avenue. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "No." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by row." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their careless servant girl?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the companion. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the driver. "What then?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned strength in the others." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I will get her to show me." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers reach." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is From what you have told me I think that it is possible that dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured call for protection in the marriage market, for the present governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that weighed down with some great anxiety. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong emerged. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Just look it up, then." you." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "My dear Holmes!" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our drawing your inferences." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "The Coroner: What do you mean? 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "You horrify me." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "But what harm can there be in that?" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Then he might have called to you?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Pope's Court. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more sentimental considerations in the background which would induce truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Thank you. Pray proceed." "No bad?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "I cannot tell." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with empty. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was have I gained?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Texas, I think." bled considerably." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his that I am arrested." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of money should be paid at once.' invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he had no one to advise her at such a crisis." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was some terrible trap for her." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Then I do not see the point." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "None." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he companion. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Heh?' "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "I don't believe it." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "The doctor?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came him nearly every evening." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of works. voice. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "I shall most certainly do so." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We that you saw all that I did." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what feature." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had amused." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'Never,' said I. brandy and water within his reach. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is was not a bird to be seen there. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, any." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside stood on the top of it. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her crackling voice. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this in his hands." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour and your relations to her." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, him to go away.' you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do to go into your room and bar your shutters?" call it cruel." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone money should be paid at once.' threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty knowledge of the world." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "No, my brougham is waiting." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs your room." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was hurried by. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade he. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "And your mother is alive?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, signal between you and your father? am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with bachelor.' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in in his hands." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Of Friday, June 19th." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or purpose equally well?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I gone. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "No good news?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "In what way?" asked Holmes. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. humiliation." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out knowledge of the world." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of get her out of the way." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Your presence might be invaluable." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Do you know him?" "It is possible." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "You know me, then?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Sutherland. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly there is a decided draught." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then direction." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that with you?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really about. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Mary, has deserted me." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. meant." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Why did you pick him?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Yes." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." overpowering excitement and concern. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, least a most suspicious remark." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and signal between you and your father? commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "And what did you learn from him?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in wall." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "An accident, I presume?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished night.' said he. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" whole matter to your consideration." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in fled together." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "I came to find a friend." attention." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to fattened it expressly for you.' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box your most interesting statement." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "I am all attention, madam." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Serpentine Avenue. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, depend upon your compliance." appointment with me for six o'clock?" ways of our fellow-men." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. habit of advancing money.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The him and tried to hold him back. words came to my lips. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a his forehead." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began know all about it," he snarled. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. business?" "Very much so." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Yes." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar where we are going." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Stolen."