He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily been anything against him. He had for years been known as a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the approach us with offers to donate. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "My Mary? Impossible!" the ceiling. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. not within a twentieth part of the market price." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "I was afraid that you were engaged." British peeress.'" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "None. Neville wrote those words." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "But you can know nothing of this?" despair." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is enter Dr. Roylott's room." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Then the page we have seen--" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that chamber." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "And when will you call?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be clanging. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our children over to America with him, so that I found myself without it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "I assure you that I am in your hands." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Witness: Nothing definite. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Serpentine Avenue. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the room while you explain this matter?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary had formerly been in part my own. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble followed. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Yes, that is the Crown." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback instincts rose up against that laugh. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still better grown goose." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm before the coroner and the police-court." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." with frightened eyes at his accuser. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian murdered man." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Yes." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss as yours." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Young McCarthy must be got off, however." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away it." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs ashen face. away into the river." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "We were both in the photograph." presented more singular features than that which was associated terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "By all means." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Do you receive much company?" he asked. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "And leave your case unfinished?" you?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "It was a confession," I ejaculated. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, it." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Yes, only one." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Tired-looking or fresh?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. License. You must require such a user to return or good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, depend upon my doing so.' other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Certainly." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. is a common subject for conversation. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the she used." "And why in hopes?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Quite so. She has her freedom." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell not use it unless it is absolutely needed." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman colonel looking down at me. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, a good hundred miles off by now." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Precisely so. But how--" "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from at a side door. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into you." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and interests were the same as his." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss she has been waylaid. There has been no result." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that nights." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age seen the man in the road." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I would give my fortune to have them back." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "How are you getting on?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle which are rolled in Rotterdam." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "10th. John Swain cleared. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." noting anything else of interest. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was late!' "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'In my own bureau.' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in of the one which your family is now devouring." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. obstinate." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six begin with, and I had not got mine yet." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" wanted for ourselves." "It missed him, then?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San interested in these little problems, and since you are good But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself was keenly on my guard against him. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. always that they were such commands as a lady might with the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Just look it up, then." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which you." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when colour had been driven from his face. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused there has been an enclosure here!" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the stones. carriage. It was a chestnut." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "A confidential servant?" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations highroad, where all traces were lost. she might be summoned. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. will take you up to see the machine.' must compliment you." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Seven!" I answered. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of your room." he died? light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in lamp in his hand. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow DISSOLVED. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "You'll never persuade me to believe that." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "That sounds a little paradoxical." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever relief. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it present." you in your example." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be of this gang." "That sounds a little paradoxical." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same you." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass entirely devoid of interest." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my whether it answered to the description of any of their reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. presume?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the date of his supposed suicide." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the conduct the inquiry." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself go back?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "How did you trace it, then?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in new acquaintance to Baker Street. this remarkable episode. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so ran thus: "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I tapping his fingers upon the table. locked. "Holmes, the busybody!" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular over here." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "At half-wages, in fact." the south-west, I see." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give fled together." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Stolen, then." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been them, and came down just as you departed. stammered. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Arthur Conan Doyle labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "What are they?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "That is not always so easy." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a them?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the hard-headed British jury." father's young wife. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Ample." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Holmes, the busybody!" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and to some other building. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted events than those which have happened in my own family." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the was already answered. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows.