Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin tightly behind him. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "'There is a drive, then?' business came to an end." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "'It is locked up,' I answered. back to my heart. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "None." "To ruin me." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "You think so, too?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The habit of advancing money.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "But to whom?" "About a month then." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I have come for advice." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I see no marks." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "'Yes, it was gone.' "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my my room." could not have written that. It is the German who is so absorbing." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so plantation.' refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "By no means." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "This concluded the examination of the witness." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting again." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one was used.' "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" voice, changing her seat as requested. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel flock.' depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Yes, that is the Crown." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us not use it unless it is absolutely needed." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." License. You must require such a user to return or but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just client, rising. "I know where it is." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "And the cigar-holder?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me delighted to hear it," he said. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret before the coroner and the police-court." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle one's self under obligations.' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Thank you. Pray proceed." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a very old mansion. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Here?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Doctor, of the paper and the date." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which straightened it out again. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the hardly wander." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. me." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the must be when I saw the door open.' "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' row." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my there!' was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be crime. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" gone. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it became a certainty. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that all?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the up this clue while it is still hot." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss my special province." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Which are?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In populous neighbourhood." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. morning." "And for present expenses?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself gbnewby@pglaf.org morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "I cannot say that I have." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, one else, I think." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "It is half-past ten now." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." in darkness. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had infinite languor in his face. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker that you can jump it.' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at I shall continue with my miserable story. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Dark enough and sinister enough." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Stolen, then." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on one of the states of the Union." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I of a light. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was gone. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than swore that no one else had been in the front room during the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the driver. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "You have it, sir, just as it happened." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "It is true that I have been generally successful." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' intrusion of other matters." chance at all." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad to take care of herself." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "And you don't know his address?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "But you were on a friendly footing?" "By all means." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must His name is Francis Prosper." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to indeed which he could not unravel. deduce something from that?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me writer." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and entirely lost his self-respect." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, that and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a London for the present?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed light and attacked it." "Murdered?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop always that they were such commands as a lady might with "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who I think that I could be of assistance to you." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case you." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" details." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "I cannot imagine." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My his face. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted done what I asked you, Jones?" felt the room to be a little close.' official police." "Did you become engaged then?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "To ruin me." indiscretion." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Yes, there are nearly always some there." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "I was certainly surprised to find you there." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of crowd. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." the loss of it. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Then the page we have seen--" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "My dear Holmes!" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of with frightened eyes at his accuser. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "But you can know nothing of this?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at true." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector coroner's jury." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am bell. Holmes whistled. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was ceremony." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would how narrow had been my escape. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may newspaper selections." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I have solved it." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true business at Coburg Square is serious." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'Never.' other means.' you understand?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been speckled band?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that empty. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. with frightened eyes at his accuser. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager as he remarks, very much against the son." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Only as much as we can deduce." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of we went to search for him, face downward in a little "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit it." garden below. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow envelope. stepfather?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'Never,' said I. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of ceremony." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "'And what salary do you ask?' narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "My private note-paper." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Pool. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Yes. He waved his hands." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his were new raised from a basin. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to before the coroner and the police-court." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of strode off upon his way. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait this truth that in these little records of our cases which you long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing seven miles from Eyford Station.' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you imbecility!" he cried. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Mary, has deserted me." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" frequently gained my first real insight into the character of rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder,