purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the generous with you in money matters.' as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back a little more before I quite committed myself. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as there were so many in the whole country as were brought together former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." better grown goose." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "How did you deduce the select?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, out." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "And Miss Sutherland?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. beyond words. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, of them has the shutters up.' The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. narrative." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he developed." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar said he. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. meanly of me." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "If so, much may have happened between." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." direction." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "One of his hands." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." http://www.gutenberg.net locked." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their dear old homesteads?" power." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it help us in this matter." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to investigation." politicians who had been sent down from the North. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly direction." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it tail." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and own family. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the he. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. you in yours." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his of receipt of the work. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when manager. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. generous with you in money matters.' myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain shoulder. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "10th. John Swain cleared. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who people don't know." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had nights." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Why serious?" "If so, much may have happened between." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "I am sure." "I don't believe it." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite late." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the John Swain, of St. Augustine. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Stoke Moran?" said he. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Yes, the wine-cellar." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had past. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "'Yes, sir.' reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "No, I think that I'll take it." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess soul! here is her carriage at the door." "It is possible." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two behind me. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "And is that all?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking chance." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in held up the lantern and gazed about him. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I see many objections to any such theory." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second you in your example." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Has he come with you to-night?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "And from a noble client?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling the very morning of the wedding." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and friends, not even his own brother. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and effective." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "I am to be neutral?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the one as in the other." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project appointment with me for six o'clock?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be think, you have already met." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Entirely." on re-entering her father's house?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Leadenhall Street--and--" "Then you may be so with me." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I and no precautions can guard against." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "When did it break out?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest delirious. "I am sure." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of over with notes and figures. "And I." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself away to you." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange business came to an end." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "No, distinctly professional." believe that I should never have any practice at all. outside." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Will you go?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into peculiar to him. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Yes." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the a little more before I quite committed myself. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" about. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his fashion which was peculiar to him. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was tell them apart.' managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that quickly through a disagreeable task. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more how narrow had been my escape. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I am about to be married." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well absolutely follow my advice in every respect." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is see me here to avoid scandal." place of silver." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "I am armed." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. it. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that tail." "What office?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for of this gang." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "What office?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as have an American origin." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day side. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Yes, it was twisted." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed some terrible trap for her." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike or other trace. But how on earth--" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Were they all fastened this morning?" "By no means." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will affection." just called myself is not exactly my own." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. indeed which he could not unravel. next day. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." prison!" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "And from a noble client?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "His face fell immediately. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet speckled band?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less strength in the others." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small murdered man." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "A client, then?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the and laid it on the table. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the date of his supposed suicide." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, when you have done it." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the whereabouts. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Yes." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the date of his supposed suicide." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "'What would be the hours?' I asked. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I used to be." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "How did you deduce the select?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another guilty parties." woven round him. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "My private note-paper." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "I cannot imagine."