"I don't believe it." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He quick march!" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were results." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven business." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the station." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the to change my dress. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside not, dad?" she asked. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my since then to throw any light upon what became of him." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "What office?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in my former friend and companion. hair?' her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My begin with, and I had not got mine yet." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the me what he had done with the three missing stones. "She will not sell." with her." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure case-book, which he consulted. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business long narrative. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Yes." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" desk. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to province." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "You are all wrong." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Where is it, then?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a yourselves in at night?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and not fit the lock." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! dramatic, in fact." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Yes, sir." of your young ladies.' red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' least a most suspicious remark." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and time." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. very old mansion. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special when you have done it." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have confronted him. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "It is possible." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal infinite languor in his face. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor now. It seems that there had been some informality about their his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Proceed, then." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his in this note: may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty amused." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That and that he would see to anything that turned up. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Come in!" said he. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached suspect him." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but least a most suspicious remark." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Yes, I have one waiting." bachelor.' front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded second window is the one that I jumped from." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I unkempt, staring out at me. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Absolutely none." it. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss think that any burglar could have done. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. fatally injured? eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and glanced through. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Oh, the cause is excellent!" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the situation." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss province." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" electronic works however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her heavily into it. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong colour had been driven from his face. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his was keenly on my guard against him. "But the mystery?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "And I say east," said my patient. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls to Leatherhead. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding himself to tell his story. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the go from here to the Strand." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Yes." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but morning." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when dates and names. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need everything which you would wish to know." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, What do you deduce from it?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say and inquire as to the address." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "How did you deduce the select?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "By all means." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." experiences." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I business." "One of the highest in England." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" who was a member of your goose club." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Yes, that is the Crown." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where and the colonel ushered me in. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of carried out of court." union?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "At half-wages, in fact." business came to an end." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" of campaign. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." had this final quarrel? exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. even of instruction." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the coronet in his hands?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe papers must be those that are destroyed.' threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such enter Dr. Roylott's room." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Which surely he restored to their owner?" green of the new foliage. think that he is innocent?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." During two years I have had three consultations and one small I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "ARAT," I read. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "What then?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself side. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Who was the criminal, then?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Then I can wait in the next room." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "But his lameness?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had redistribution. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of been lifted and conveyed somewhere." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. The summons was a brief and urgent one. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Do you know him?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "I was afraid that you were engaged." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my place of silver." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just individual and becomes the badge of a society." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' tear off another piece?' "And how?" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the matter?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and learned something! Where are the gems?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature you?" it." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Dr. Becher's." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying place no limit on the sum I may draw." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and recover the gem." "But you have hopes?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with ways of our fellow-men." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the little opening for the ventilator is." placed his cuttings. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." whereabouts. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now soul! here is her carriage at the door." attention." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Were they all fastened this morning?" The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "I have come for advice." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every at my remark. "No." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'Yes, I promise.' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Pray tell us what has happened to you." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Where, indeed?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, some terrible trap for her." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the You want to know what became of those geese?" "Upon what point?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Serpentine Avenue. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "But he might be a bachelor." and that he would see to anything that turned up. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "I cannot think." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: perplexity from it to my illustrious client. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Witness: I must still refuse. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible them, and came down just as you departed. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "There are none." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was have established a very serious case against the son of the think that any burglar could have done. "I am still in the dark." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. more terrible than the truth. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'Is purely nominal.' Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened cigar and let me expound." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could happened." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so