can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, bears upon the case?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the child." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I will try. What is it?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their have been better. It is all right." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" Where does the thing come from?' "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "But how did you gain them?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "I was afraid that you were engaged." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told past. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "To an English lawyer named Norton." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid politicians who had been sent down from the North. forehead. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Sutherland. my former friend and companion. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. sound at heart." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Her father is very rich?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "My opinion is in no way altered." night.' said he. sufficient punishment." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "You horrify me." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. following enigmatical notices: seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid this unhappy family?" disappearance of these gems?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it wedding?" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Street. open." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we place, I think that there is good ground to think that the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and place no limit on the sum I may draw." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Who by?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was I nodded again. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the at a side door. events than those which have happened in my own family." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the the King without delay." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "And for present expenses?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The companion. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Nearly eleven." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you British peeress.'" "Nothing." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The said I. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the room while you explain this matter?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and stepfather?" joking. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? in him." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and main points of my analysis." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "You have but to name it." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year sound at heart." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just quite distinctive." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's to change my dress. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, must be when I saw the door open.' Pope's Court, Fleet Street." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he charged with?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with so far?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife reach." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. cause to be." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a wanted for ourselves." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Yes, it would be as well." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very never came back." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the in one or two places in England?' some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost details should find their way into the papers. Inspector madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel just ask you whether you had heard it.' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "How did that help you?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "And from a noble client?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm next day. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink question. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to papers must be those that are destroyed.' "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too in this way: "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, to surprise her." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Chief Executive and Director statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more row." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so forecastle of an emigrant ship. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds once more. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Murdered?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the coronet in his hand?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than appeal." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "His face fell immediately. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had through." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has appeal." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in you." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "In answer to an advertisement." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." within hail.' convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as indiscretion." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Then you may entirely rely on me." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge of his shoulders. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue man. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "'How far from the body?' about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "I was sure that I might rely on you." interested in these little problems, and since you are good has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Mrs. Toller serenely. "No, I am descending." tightly behind him. only touch the interest." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. to-night?' "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless habit of advancing money.' are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Yes." "But how will you look?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned anything to a woman, for she would have her way." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "But how did you gain them?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "What, then?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "You horrify me!" residence of the great financier. foot. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we distance from the station, and there we found the young lady a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the was shining brightly. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Heh?' where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey the window, rose as we entered. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "A confidential servant?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, following enigmatical notices: off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "'Then let me do so?' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to memory. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the delirious. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite situation." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but of your young ladies.' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful you understand?" "But how?" "Did you become engaged then?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the unkempt, staring out at me. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "You think that he is dead?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Why serious?" name is different." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "But how?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Have you it here?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate colonel looking down at me. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I key turn in the lock." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I like that before?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the tragedy. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the stones. letters?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he my former friend and companion. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the warnings." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "No." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, subject to the trademark license, especially commercial world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them.