his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of I nodded to show that I had heard. crowd. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if stepfather?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and some water from a caraffe. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the this poor creature." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the at my remark. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Seven!" I answered. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his hurried by. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would The King stared at him in amazement. answered with a sidelong glance. towards the blaze. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Where is it, then?" I. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'And the work?' "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial and inquire as to the address." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding papers." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Pray continue your narrative." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you said Mr. Holder. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "No." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible there was no need for father to know." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, without a word or a look. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was and put his glass in his pocket. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "I am about to be married." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at colour had been driven from his face. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Well." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time laugh and put his lips to my ear. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Again Holmes raved in the air. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been of your young ladies.' and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was out." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and closing the door. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "I beg pardon." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "No." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you your billet.' thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. make me his representative both with the servants and with the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "It certainly sounds feasible." "No?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the followed. to-night's adventure." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Is he quiet?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I 1.E.9. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and national property. I was determined that the law should have its "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other said I. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence because she had spent so short a time in this country that she first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "By all means." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This nice household for a young lady." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and think, you have already met." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Very murderous indeed." "None." the station." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "I was sure that I might rely on you." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Cross for the Continent." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could for and were ordered to this address. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "My dear Holmes!" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite be best to do. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, humiliation." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to spare." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Eh? What was that?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'What then?' I asked. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. man. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Sutherland?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "One?" gone before you can get him to hospital." "'Where could I find him?' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the three fields round his house, and there he would take his charge against him will break down." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for villagers almost as much as their master. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at think you a quite exceptional woman." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads to tell." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, security.' connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Have you good authority for what you say?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "I beg pardon." he bowed and left the room without another word. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the his knees, staring into the fire. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "He disappeared so suddenly." death." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known views." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until society." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady attention." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I come either from the window or the door. My attention was observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an that you saw all that I did." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear strength in the others." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and walking." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say subject to the trademark license, especially commercial view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry was the fact that his father should, according to his account, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the did not hear it also.' you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Frequently." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your sentimental considerations in the background which would induce of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a again, where I was soon asleep. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that taking in every detail of the apartment. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet think, you have already met." "'I shall certainly be there.' spare." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the to surprise her." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "And what then?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the coroner come to?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and fashion which was peculiar to him. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is was feeling which was the fattest.' that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Yes." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the warnings." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Yes." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "In San Francisco, a year ago." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 to you." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Yes, he did." "Can I be of assistance?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, writer." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "But his left-handedness." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "I cannot imagine." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Nothing." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs hard-headed British jury." thirty. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied character. carriage. It was a chestnut." felt?" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they he. and the whole place is in a blaze." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the all-comprehensive glances. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that public press." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'Which dealer's?' mystery may be cleared along those lines." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who paper in the air. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and was used.' once more for Briony Lodge. new duties?' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see you?' across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the little opening for the ventilator is." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Then you may entirely rely on me." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Your sister is dead, then?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party strode off upon his way. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers signal between you and your father? than to us. be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "There is the writing." it. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could you." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which of his shoulders. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come