himself to tell his story. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair fatally injured? "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Henry Baker is a member." closing the door. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your my room." overpowering excitement and concern. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in populous neighbourhood." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him eat it." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady house for five minutes.' eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door charge against him will break down." opportunities to fix the problem. "The Coroner: What do you mean? "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Nothing." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond your co-operation." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his writers could invent nothing more crude." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "No, distinctly professional." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can knowledge of the world." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I chance." thought that she would have been so carried away." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me whole matter to your consideration." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his I have it here in my museum." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a third from London." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been think that he is innocent?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "No. What a strange idea!" "To an end?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away towards the blaze. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to an introduction to him?" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "The Coroner: What do you mean? akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "What will you do, then?" discontent upon his features. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I been shamefully used." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Which are?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "ARAT," I read. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. other means.' "What, then?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." plantation.' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran whereabouts. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before certainly do as you advise." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now in a friendly supper." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "I cannot imagine." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough companion. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'There is a drive, then?' that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "You heard nothing yourself last night?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was in the dead of the night?' streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Who by?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes sneer upon his pale face. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was a few minutes he said that it would be all right. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his extraordinary contortions. "I shall most certainly do so." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter attention." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's may never be exposed to such a temptation." coat-tails." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed asked. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Pray do so." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better The note was undated, and without either signature or address. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about and I shall be with you presently." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his go--none." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'I have heard so.' purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have with you alone." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence like gravel from a pit.' a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly we went to search for him, face downward in a little my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "He is still with you, I presume?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. was shining brightly. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any peculiar to him. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you dates and names. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of there was no need for father to know." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment emerged. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I for the market.' As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'Never,' said I. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Oh, the cause is excellent!" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down him nearly every evening." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass flock.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the know what is wrong with it.' investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything said he at last. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I instituted." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your British peeress.'" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." the night.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the station." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an introspective fashion. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to ordinary clothes on?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I there!' meant." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. My friend smiled. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Were they all fastened this morning?" have been better. It is all right." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" way: for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his on re-entering her father's house?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his business?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if ill-usage at the hands of fortune. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "But what is it you wish?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set green of the new foliage. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Nothing." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the night.' the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'About the same.' fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door I nodded again. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "A thing like a cleaver," said he. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to be.' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side to have that photograph." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "We have tried and failed." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Because he was handy and would come cheap." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind man. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very you?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Absolutely?" absorbing." breakfast?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Literary Archive Foundation from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just matters immensely." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg and the whole place is in a blaze." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to and no precautions can guard against." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "I promise," said Holmes. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. reach." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry entirely devoid of interest." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I cannot tell." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "What then?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the murdered man." than to us. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" never came back." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one himself. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, became a certainty. direction." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "What then?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen villagers almost as much as their master. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered not interfere, come what may. You understand?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Of what?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, desk. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to who was a member of your goose club." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "The rest you will leave in our hands." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of and inquire as to the address." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the to arrive at through this?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "It is his hat." could not have written that. It is the German who is so Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord of your young ladies.' distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long,