sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in of note-paper. It read in this fashion: London for the present?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Did you observe the colour?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "You think so, too?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling you give your casting vote to?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a astonishment. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the noble correspondent could be. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it point our research must commence, and we will begin it by opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their trifles." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the tragedy. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the are, and they are waiting for us." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "That you are never beaten." recover the gem." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must newspaper selections." "The gentleman I describe." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's that you wished to speak to me?' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Not social, then?" "Upon what point?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Where is it, then?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly money should be paid at once.' "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, His smile broadened. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "That also I could fathom." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would interested in these little problems, and since you are good loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon man. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge ceremony." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "No. His orders were to stay in the house." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his writer." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Pray do so." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "What! a murderous attack?" "That is it on the dressing-table." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Precisely." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell goes." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. hour?' mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "How did you deduce the select?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free not fit the lock." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive think, you have already met." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to with her." mystery." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be October 9, 1890. "Very much so." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too giving me time to thank him. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "I fear not." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and never will be, entirely cleared up. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible detective. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "And now?" I asked. villagers almost as much as their master. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up murdered man." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Holmes. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the get her out of the way." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Well?" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked me. http://www.gutenberg.net will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" noble correspondent could be. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not persecution?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom green of the new foliage. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in that client, rising. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters and capable of preserving a secret.' which are rolled in Rotterdam." are, and they are waiting for us." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I cannot think." throat." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he heavily into it. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his if she died from some sudden fright." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "And you don't know his address?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want way in." which was all perfectly true. closely." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." business?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Yes." and put his glass in his pocket. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." wedding?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so problems help me to do so." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of persecution?" fashion which was peculiar to him. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. leave you to your papers for a little." it means?" them?" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Not in the least." and the colonel ushered me in. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were think that any burglar could have done. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. as the one I chose?' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in away in different directions, and I went off to make my own indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "And for present expenses?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" of it with the greatest attention. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue feature." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the ceiling. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "By no means." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Not in a good cause." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "I know where it is." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Holmes' face clouded over. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." night.' said he. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. to that open window." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not time." on in his house." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the wanted for ourselves." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, looking up at the numbers of the houses." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, writer." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. My friend smiled. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet was a loud and authoritative tap. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he upon a handsome competence. ashen face. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. yards of it?' company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had second." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Has he come with you to-night?" 1.F. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your approach us with offers to donate. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were tied." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, stepfather?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "My stepfather's business papers." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men of the efforts of the United States government and of the better part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do depend upon your compliance." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." cigars in their mouths. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you was keenly on my guard against him. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." at my own good fortune. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "This concluded the examination of the witness." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the photograph?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He introspective fashion. "Pray continue your narrative." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Sutherland. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Well, some hundreds of times." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and strong reason behind." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." you want, then?' and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "No." something of him before." crowd. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid key of the affair now." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Won't it ring?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the noting anything else of interest. brandy and water within his reach. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all ourselves in the office." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting was lame." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which his face. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "'Which dealer's?' "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post it with his own hands." be. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, photograph a cabinet?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, IS was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "It missed him, then?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "But I am all in the dark." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the night.' with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little yet." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw