took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I stood on the top of it. one of them." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his depend upon your compliance." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "In what way?" asked Holmes. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "She walked into the breakfast-room." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "So it appears." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "The rest you will leave in our hands." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' him, that man would not have given me such complete information One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit what I may call a really hard day's work." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. appeal." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. nonsense.' the iron safe, which he closed upon it. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure empty. are, I think, all that we need." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "I am to be neutral?" light and attacked it." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "I am armed." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which away to you." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'And the work?' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across like that before?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Witness: It was. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, best detective that ever lived. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, his wife has ceased to love him." prisoner's face. will he say when he returns?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal said I. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and key turn in the lock." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he upon the shelf for the interim." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on him nearly every evening." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' there were one or two details which were new to me. But the your equipment. "But to whom?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "One?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do congenial hunt. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is signal between you and your father? you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly lamp in his hand. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my hand, madam?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the meant." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Stoke Moran." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." which was all perfectly true. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled neither fascinating nor artistic." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Ten will be early enough." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, fact, we may call it conclusive." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Stolen, then." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "What?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps of Fenchurch Street." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "'Yes, sir.' sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Countess of Morcar's?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I begun to whiten, even as mine has." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and until night should bring an explanation. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in think you a quite exceptional woman." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is fasten all the windows?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'Entirely.' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "But what is it you wish?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "How often?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. extraordinary contortions. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "What do you make of that, Watson?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I shall most certainly do so." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "That sounds a little paradoxical." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "I should be immensely obliged to you." not personally threatened." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Project Gutenberg-tm works. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in see me here to avoid scandal." "I have seen the police." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all definite end. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "What is it, then--a fire?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, on re-entering her father's house?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations I nodded to show that I had heard. "Will you go?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "It looks newer than the other things?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There foot. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch be sorry for having acted so harshly." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." appeal." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the child." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for had picked up in the wood. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "'Ample.' dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "None." evidence," I remarked. could go. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. crackling voice. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Serpentine Avenue. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "To an English lawyer named Norton." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." companion quietly. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about point our research must commence, and we will begin it by finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was directors have had misgivings upon the subject." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had detained." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not seen the man in the road." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "But what will you do?" whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "My Mary? Impossible!" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Well, some hundreds of times." stood on the top of it. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my I nodded again. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting ago." the general public were present, then?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, help us in this matter." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes head. So long, then!" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the bed, and you in that chair." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "But I am all in the dark." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "At half-wages, in fact." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE points in connection with it which never have been, and probably as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "'Never,' said I. maid will bring up your coffee." III. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank your troubles." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "What steps will you take?" I asked. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship that I can to serve you." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon legal crime." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of his face which made him a very different person to the round, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "But how will you look?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed room. "I have hopes." pound a week." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "And for present expenses?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled and it need not interfere very much with one's other copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Married! When?" "Yes?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess to-night's adventure." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was tightly behind him. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "There is the writing." new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper photograph?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into furiously. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, bare slabs of marble. "What then?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of that you saw all that I did." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad For additional contact information: among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the case before our client came into the room." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good tail." "This photograph!" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this on in his house." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "By no means." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "A call for help, you thought?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "No legal papers or certificates?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that