the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "I will not look." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you this unhappy family?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with down. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, to-night?' at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one flock.' this Miss Turner." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as never to learn it at all." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these a monotonous occupation." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Yes, they were peculiar boots." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" business." an introduction to him?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have information in his hands the value of which he did not himself thought that she would have been so carried away." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "You forget that I know nothing about it." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." grasp, he hurried from the room. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester your billet.' cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "You don't mind breaking the law?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'I am sure that I do not know.' "No, I am descending." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "BALLARAT." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know that I can to serve you." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "And when will you call?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Eh? What was that?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at dead, shall be safe with us." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of door?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the observed. voice. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran such attractions and accomplishments?' "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said States. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of carried out of court." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away any more." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual once more. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Pool. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and events, Mr. Windibank!" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the south-west, I see." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and has little to do with my story." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private other lovers by making love himself." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'Entirely.' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "'You doubt its value?' he asked. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium a suggestive one." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and I. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "'Yes, sir.' peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and I shall be with you presently." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, unprecedented a position." papers on the sundial.'" away into the river." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "I cannot tell." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent yet." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "ARAT," I read. "But you were on a friendly footing?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the matter." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "You have the photograph?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Why serious?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? it were putty." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Who was the criminal, then?" Again Holmes raved in the air. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Yes?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the for securing the situation." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life directly by questioning you." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Seven!" I answered. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who here." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in as this. Pray let me have the details." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a least a fellow-countryman. business matters.' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are notes," he said. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." of them has the shutters up.' some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond main points of my analysis." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "And that is--" come either from the window or the door. My attention was alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two you in your example." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for it? Did I buy the geese off you?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the was a loud and authoritative tap. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is prove to be little relation between the different incidents of I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And started for the Temple to see my husband. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking next day. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; delighted to hear it," he said. back to my heart. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "My dear Holmes!" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is new acquaintance to Baker Street. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a see a sister of mine apply for." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. I am not easy in my mind about them." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "I will, Miss Turner." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses of Fenchurch Street." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." call for it in person on Monday morning.' that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." against a man in the prime of life?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow she slowly sank and died without having recovered her know all about it," he snarled. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "9th. McCauley cleared. look upon these things in a different way." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "The Cedars?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "I should like to see him very much." "My last client of the sort was a king." was a perfect sample of the class. it. awaited us upon the table. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing kindly on the shoulder. window when the police appeared." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this dramatic, in fact." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under to arrive at through this?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate peculiar to him. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at one else, I think." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, helping a boy to put up the shutters. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Only as much as we can deduce." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' young Openshaw's." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I have a cab outside." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and congratulate you again." opportunities to fix the problem. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began murdered man." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Witness: It was. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "'Never,' said I. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass really the only notable feature about the thing." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Were they all fastened this morning?" from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Where, indeed?" with you?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to way in." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his true." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. to have been novel and of interest." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much The King stared at him in amazement. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "And you can do nothing until then?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Holmes." "You horrify me." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black until night should bring an explanation. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "The knees of his trousers." companion. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George lamp in his hand. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a night.' said he. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can introspective fashion. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed