"There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the goes." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "And the murderer?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I am in hopes that she does." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was prisoner's face. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, to that open window." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free green of the new foliage. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other arms and began to sob in a high treble key. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never public press." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or kind enough to tell me what I should do." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "But what is it you wish?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "No. His orders were to stay in the house." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he simple cases which are so extremely difficult." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. at a side door. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "How many? I don't know." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the introspective fashion. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He criminal. We have already had experience of such." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "And when will you call?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, excitement. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that sufficient punishment." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not things are very often connected not with the larger but with the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid his cane at the bell-pull. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a when you have done it." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "By no means." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not advice." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he outsides of the windows. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "How did you deduce the select?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" at my remark. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "It looks newer than the other things?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Eh? What was that?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been whole matter to your consideration." "Whose house is it?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "What! a murderous attack?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I promise," said Holmes. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "This photograph!" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, in. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, quite distinctive." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Here?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which his eyes and forehead. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor and no precautions can guard against." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "I cannot as yet see any connection." one of them." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, breakfast?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Holmes' room. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been one's self under obligations.' my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. individual and becomes the badge of a society." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at maiden herself was most instructive." outsides of the windows. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Dirty?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high just ask you whether you had heard it.' By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another to-night." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope pound a week." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon business came to an end." "Not in a good cause." "Then he might have called to you?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a hand, madam?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his habit of advancing money.' "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "By no means." yet." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general conclusions. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his companion. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Street. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps acquaintance?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed depend upon your compliance." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, bearing upon the case." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as you in your example." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could away to you." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds enter Dr. Roylott's room." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in whole matter to your consideration." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "To an English lawyer named Norton." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Yes." confronted him. conclusions. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. fattened it expressly for you.' to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I for and were ordered to this address. to-night?" I asked. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "He said too much." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his always that they were such commands as a lady might with the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of instincts rose up against that laugh. back alive. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now be. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my it." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the in him." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither present." "Pray do so." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "But what will you do?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them matter over." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Did you observe the colour?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I think it very unlikely." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought could not have written that. It is the German who is so 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he questionable one." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until some terrible trap for her." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock pound a week." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "He is still with you, I presume?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a had this final quarrel? finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by is," said he presently: gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The behind me. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the written. fuss that is made over them." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are to me. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would think you a quite exceptional woman." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly business in the City. She little knew what. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, footfalls from the street. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Oh, yes, easily." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders that he has suffered." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Ah!" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'I shall certainly be there.' away to you." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Then he might have called to you?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "But how will you look?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. unprofitable." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I soul! here is her carriage at the door." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I say it is." was a perfect sample of the class. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "I have solved it." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "How many? I don't know." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'Yes, sir.' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. to a light-house. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my and a shock of very red hair. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the The summons was a brief and urgent one. "And on what day did he meet his death?"