to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the allusion to a rat. photograph?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a laugh and put his lips to my ear. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. point in the dark hollow of his hand. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said you give your casting vote to?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "But how?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" here." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Leave Paddington by the 11:15." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how here." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the coronet in his hands?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "'Very good.' "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "What! a murderous attack?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I will get her to show me." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Holmes, the busybody!" to-night?" I asked. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Foundation after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, closing the door. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "In San Francisco, a year ago." towards the blaze. I shall continue with my miserable story. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "And you don't know his address?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then directly by questioning you." shaken than I had ever seen him. "It was an hour's good drive." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "How many? I don't know." whole matter to your consideration." comes from the middle window." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of distance from the station, and there we found the young lady whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "What I expected to see." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid a little more before I quite committed myself. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." wedding?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for was shining brightly. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. it. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Will you bet, then?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, been able to understand it, in a very few words. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It 'I should be able to look after that for you.' not as remarkable as your advertisement." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to society." British peeress.'" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a fishes. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "But his lameness?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "It certainly sounds feasible." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the morning and make my own way in the world.' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to foresight and the moral retrogression?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Always." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Very truly yours, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "I know where it is." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, amused." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "They are typewritten," I remarked. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I say it is." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. other lovers by making love himself." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he nothing with him." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know you." soul! here is her carriage at the door." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite legal crime." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" to surprise her." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while means taking possession of that which another person has a prior time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Then I do not see the point." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, salesman. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, do.' "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. had this final quarrel? and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "The murder was done with it." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass undoubtedly my uncle's." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "None." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Yes." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." really the only notable feature about the thing." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not cup of tea. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "It surprised me." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Does that suggest anything?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge night.' said he. with her." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." murdered man." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just his forehead." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "But you can know nothing of this?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as hand, madam?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Deserted you?" "We have tried and failed." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the my special province." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old and capable of preserving a secret.' safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "It is half-past ten now." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Then, as to money?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR way: "Yes." "'How far from the body?' business." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." gone. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. photograph a cabinet?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Yes?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with in your London, you will know that the office of the company is believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything your equipment. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two prepare for the new role I have to play." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you he bowed and left the room without another word. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "And how did you find out?" "So it appears." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you shaken than I had ever seen him. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been companion imperturbably. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." hurried by. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to hardly wander." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in sound at heart." drawing your inferences." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "But to whom?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Only as much as we can deduce." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "The murder was done with it." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "On Monday." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the my room." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "I am about to be married." wedding?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Holmes' room. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, and the church but not where the lady lived." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "But his left-handedness." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "About a month then." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any becomes even more simple." the dangers which encompass me." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "'I have already given you my word.' "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "It was." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin cigars in their mouths. is now desirous of getting those letters back." see me here to avoid scandal." like gravel from a pit.' ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary here." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "What are they?" "Yes." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all I. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is families. Now for the facts. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential From what you have told me I think that it is possible that vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I you?' and all of them with the keenest interest. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to weapon." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the matter." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Entirely." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. papers must be those that are destroyed.' out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a in. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your that?' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "That is unusual in a young girl." jewels which you have stolen?' whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" horse could go." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Pool. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I cannot as yet see any connection." you came in." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Holmes." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I see a sister of mine apply for." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge secret." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been front of me. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, this poor creature." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Dr. Gregory B. Newby walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Very. But will he see it?" reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty chill to my heart. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "And who is her maid?" "No legal papers or certificates?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were furiously. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "A call for help, you thought?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need