Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you said I. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "'There is a drive, then?' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Witness: It was. character. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for forecastle of an emigrant ship. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." peculiar to him. "What then?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the hurried by. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying matter." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Why, what do you mean?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "She showed me, as I told you she would." bell. Holmes whistled. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "I know where it is." prisoner's face. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the south-west, I see." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place make me his representative both with the servants and with the "How can you tell that?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Lestrade of Scotland Yard." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I am still in the dark." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Not I." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "My Mary? Impossible!" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an into the room. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, you, my dear young lady?' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "But we can't all be." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it galvanised. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. you." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it rose-bushes. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Nor running a chance of arrest?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the memory. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you other lovers by making love himself." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy one of the states of the Union." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Just look it up, then." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning fishes. "Why, what do you mean?" highly," said Holmes. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "But what harm can there be in that?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up appeared upon the scene." people don't know." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of some city in a dream. "And why in hopes?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "And now?" I asked. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his upon the white wrist. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the inner apartment." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Then he might have called to you?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Count Von Kramm." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was tear off another piece?' and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her man. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be fluttered off among the others. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at 'please.'" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it would apply.' probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'I am sure if I had known--' he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no awaited us upon the table. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "But how?" learned something! Where are the gems?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and presume?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been it." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Yes. He waved his hands." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Yes, but only for you and me." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "But what harm can there be in that?" License. You must require such a user to return or "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among you." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." off." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was been anything against him. He had for years been known as a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a delirious. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "It is very clear." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. indeed which he could not unravel. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be you?' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the Friday. Was it to be in church?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something again." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and kindly on the shoulder. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the companion quietly. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the devil!" "And how did he make his money?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which and laid it on the table. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and posted to-day." into the bag, and made for the door. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" business matters.' Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Witness: Nothing definite. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. main points of my analysis." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "How many? I don't know." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "In San Francisco, a year ago." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the been shamefully used." nothing with him." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for John Swain, of St. Augustine. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I round and wave him away like that.' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "And now?" I asked. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense weighed down with some great anxiety. garden below. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. business." copied or distributed: "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for he died? away in different directions, and I went off to make my own beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they habit of advancing money.' have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Perhaps we may make them less so." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "And sit in the dark?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Yes." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "And the murderer?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Yes, there are nearly always some there." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Holmes rather sternly. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, other, as fresh and trim as possible. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "No bad?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "None." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Not in the least." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Henry Baker is a member." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will anything to do with the matter?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior nice household for a young lady." appeal." "By no means." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own any." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I promise," said Holmes. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Did you observe the colour?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all mystery may be cleared along those lines." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious locked. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which is worth.' "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "No, thank goodness, she did not." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more derbies." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Perhaps we may make them less so." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend posted to-day." "Pray do so." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, you?' window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the following enigmatical notices: "I have hopes." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some forebodings. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the His name is Francis Prosper." "How are you getting on?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left really the only notable feature about the thing." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from voice. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street.