points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Yes, from Horsham." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. it. gentleman's clothes. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my as this. Pray let me have the details." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "There is the writing." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand really the only notable feature about the thing." on in his house." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my once more. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "No. What a strange idea!" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some the little opening for the ventilator is." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. desk. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began quite distinctive." way in." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "No." "But to whom?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Where did he live, then?" be there in time for your coming." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, generous with you in money matters.' soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any very old mansion. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows me where it went to?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'I am sure that I do not know.' Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Then you may be so with me." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a humiliation." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a stepfather?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, my former friend and companion. of this gang." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a ran thus: "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, distinguish the words: know all about it," he snarled. "'Where could I find him?' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet electronic works set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and you found me to-night--and running through the front room she gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is tightly behind him. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to heavily into it. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Proceed, then." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most started for the Temple to see my husband. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "There is the writing." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, copied or distributed: coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." fat-encircled eyes. room had already been engaged for us. gigantic client. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "And it is--" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone arrested. You then--" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said important." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to not within a twentieth part of the market price." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the heavily into it. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project clanging. "Why did you pick him?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "And how did you verify them?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'Most admirably.' "There are none." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear handed it to him. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the cigars in the box." with frightened eyes at his accuser. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "I cannot think." any more." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off bearing upon the case." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of away in different directions, and I went off to make my own States. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! depend upon my doing so.' he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, question," said Holmes, smiling. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Pray be precise as to details," said he. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that do.' nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." and have this put in the evening papers." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Then you may entirely rely on me." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT served to weaken the effect. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable information in his hands the value of which he did not himself learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "And now?" I asked. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the at my own good fortune. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of at a side door. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I have come for advice." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "I cannot tell." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That I. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and status with the IRS. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had once more to my work. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "And how in the world did you find them?" a room. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "What will you do, then?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "By all means." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' went to the Alpha were town bred." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all of this gang." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the tied." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you will be renamed. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "What! You do not mean bodies?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the straightened it out again. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and morning." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I over with notes and figures. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "There is the writing." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. woman." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have all that?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Who by?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of all-comprehensive glances. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and garden below. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "No." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I and glanced through. where she found matters as described by the last witness. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself woven round him. make me his representative both with the servants and with the "And now?" He raised his hand. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was in darkness. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "We must have a cab." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual papers." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew The summons was a brief and urgent one. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Doctor, of the paper and the date." I shall communicate with you." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora deduce something from that?" had formerly been in part my own. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "It missed him, then?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or both be extremely obliged.' and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just you." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old opened the door, and slipped through. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very The note was undated, and without either signature or address. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "But you can know nothing of this?" "But who is he?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I leaning back in his chair. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And used to be." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "'Quite sure, dad.' throat." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "But we can't all be." and no precautions can guard against." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "This concluded the examination of the witness." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Thank you. Pray proceed." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "No." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations already been minutely examined." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little you." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey presented more singular features than that which was associated hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." letters?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "But not more so than I to find you." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys easy-going way." "To an end?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the them present such singular features as the strange train of When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "And your mother is alive?" "I guessed as much." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "And is that all?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and that you wished to speak to me?' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier outsides of the windows. seven miles from Eyford Station.' there has been an enclosure here!" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." matters immensely." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' have got?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in man. I know him from the photograph." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "No, distinctly professional." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which silent! Oh, he will be silent!' half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "The landlord of the Alpha." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the stones. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was be. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "No, I think that I'll take it." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I points to suicide?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. true." himself. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as fled together." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "That was it, sir." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many outsides of the windows. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little go--none." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "What then?" generous with you in money matters.' hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own