the warnings." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe sake, don't!" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. attention." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "'Where to?' when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my once more on the important position which you have been fortunate gigantic client. ashen face. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Did your wife hear all this?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those him." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my presume?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Then I am your man." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'Why that?' I asks. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "And what did you see?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'What, the red-headed man?' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Sholtos." there was no need for father to know." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, prepare for the new role I have to play." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven quick march!" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Entirely." "It came here." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw me. You must get home instantly and act." John Swain, of St. Augustine. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me American. Then who could this American be, and why should he others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will nice household for a young lady." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can obstinate." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the already been minutely examined." direction." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself presented more singular features than that which was associated very morning of my second wedding." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if me where it went to?" wall." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. I took the paper from him and read as follows: And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and to-night?' conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "And now?" He raised his hand. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, wall." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and imbecility!" he cried. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and said he. "Witness: Nothing definite. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to them?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, miles off. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "And you don't know his address?" "If so, much may have happened between." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, his face. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his I. be sorry for having acted so harshly." "What shall I do?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "And is that all?" brandy and water within his reach. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Come in!" said Holmes. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Heh?' Pope's Court, Fleet Street." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate call the police, let the police find what they can.' miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was breakfast?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the have not had my rubber." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "It looks newer than the other things?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I call it cruel." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own chemical work which was so dear to him. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked to where he stood hid behind the curtain. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed fear." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the devil!" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Her father is very rich?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "I cannot think." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father think, you have already met." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been definite end. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "And on what day did he meet his death?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "'Certainly,' I answered. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Watson," he said cordially. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, the child." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power cost them two and thirty pounds." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was bonnet, and went out." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in you give your casting vote to?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and relief. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this derbies." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed as he folded up the epistle. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, stepfather?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "'There is a drive, then?' such attractions and accomplishments?' grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "So I am. Very much so." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I be best to do. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a she might be summoned. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Why? What do you mean?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "No, but the enclosure is." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since triumphant cloud from his cigarette. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set shaken than I had ever seen him. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was mystery." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Sutherland?" forebodings. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before through." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low promised to bring home. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "And you thought he was pulled back?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your was the fact that his father should, according to his account, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the purpose equally well?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of next day. call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel is entirely a question of barometric pressure." felt?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No my secret was safe in his possession. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George that he will be back before evening." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, you." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "But to whom?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Could he throw no light?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads nothing with him." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with evidence," I remarked. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a deduce something from that?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after of a light. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Farm upon the left." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an and prosperity to your house. Good-night." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for meanly of me." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, During two years I have had three consultations and one small your Highness to the police-station?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Yes, all." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; salesman. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "And help." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Precisely so. But how--" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society to have that photograph." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his him to be an active member of the medical profession." delighted to hear it," he said. II. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "One of the highest in England." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was been able to understand it, in a very few words. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "I think it very unlikely." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "I should be immensely obliged to you." "But I am all in the dark." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was was shining brightly. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "That is it on the dressing-table." have had none more fantastic than this." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the dangers which encompass me." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when had died away into the silence from which it rose. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" pictures, libraries, or plate. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I disappearance of the bride.'" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb sofa. This way, please!" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the ceiling. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad your own bird, so if you wish--" seven miles from Eyford Station.' was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" south, for the country is more deserted there." leave you to your papers for a little." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, floor. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to horse could go." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." in the port of London." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in guilty one." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever place, I think that there is good ground to think that the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, to-morrow." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing vault. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "I cannot tell." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the