Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying spare." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Dr. Becher's." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated union?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' round and wave him away like that.' fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb have been better. It is all right." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I was sure that I might rely on you." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Who was the criminal, then?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Texas, I think." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the devil!" overpowering excitement and concern. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "And how did you verify them?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured views." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "You horrify me!" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned For additional contact information: investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" in his hands." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery opened the door, and slipped through. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "And you thought he was pulled back?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "She will not sell." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Absolutely none." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it least a most suspicious remark." IS October 9, 1890. again, where I was soon asleep. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon friend's singular character. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned works. chill to my heart. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has best detective that ever lived. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of murdered man." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Oh, yes, easily." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest late." important." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her was not a bird to be seen there. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated guilty one." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the best of training." have established a very serious case against the son of the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project straighten it?" "Yes, at the mines." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "I cannot imagine." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would business?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, my friend's incisive reasoning. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at horse could go." "He said too much." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "In heaven's name, what for?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in completely overtopped every other consideration that we both many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of arrested. You then--" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "But how?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and to take care of herself." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Can I be of assistance?" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked highly," said Holmes. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Holmes." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs heavy and sharp instrument." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At excitement. very morning of my second wedding." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the salesman. ashen face. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I a few minutes he said that it would be all right. It may be so in this case, also." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old without success. At last the little money which I had saved began affection." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of thirty. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right is worth.' making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Was she in good spirits?" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Eh? What was that?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is him to be an active member of the medical profession." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the to arrive at through this?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "No more words. Get out!" my little problems." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock in your London, you will know that the office of the company is with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Was your sister dressed?" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the figure." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "In which, sir?" "It came here." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any License. You must require such a user to return or "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "An enemy?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be already been minutely examined." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad think that he is innocent?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "What! You do not mean bodies?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Well, it is a possible supposition." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Eyford at 11:15.' blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' business at Coburg Square is serious." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out key of the affair now." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I answered that I had not. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "If so, much may have happened between." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle me have 200 pounds?' have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be was a loud and authoritative tap. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." rooms." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his opened the door, and slipped through. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in affair. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "You were travelling in the States?" them present such singular features as the strange train of away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from derbies." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian late." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the emerged. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "I warn you that they are very incomplete." into the bag, and made for the door. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the maid will bring up your coffee." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how of." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not fishes. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "A confidential servant?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester of the vacancies.' "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Nearly eleven." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: arrested. You then--" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'As governess?' Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a you give your casting vote to?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly cheerful." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic and wait." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some that he will be back before evening." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the side-table." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of think that he is innocent?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, forehead. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I shall most certainly do so." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to charge against him will break down." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic as noiselessly as she had come. "Oh, fresh and glossy." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "And you thought he was pulled back?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Then I am your man." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in me." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "BALLARAT." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "And your mother is alive?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'What, the red-headed man?' shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to there were one or two details which were new to me. But the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong all that?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the soul! here is her carriage at the door." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming little trying to do so much typewriting?" habit of advancing money.' explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "I cannot tell." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not vanished into the darkness. walking." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I call for protection in the marriage market, for the present everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be in darkness. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary ourselves in the office." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful will find little credit to be gained out of this case." shoulder. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm perplexity from it to my illustrious client. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the McCarthy." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet to surprise her." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Munro.' their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the nursery. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I am armed." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled wedding?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "How can you tell that?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the child." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew works. See paragraph 1.E below. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "The gentleman I describe." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set security.' "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone there has been an enclosure here!" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could of your young ladies.' "And the cigar-holder?" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "The Cedars?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was most interesting one." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "No, finished." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. was a loud and authoritative tap. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Very murderous indeed." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the 'please.'" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'Certainly,' I answered. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "'Yes, sir.' now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch there is a decided draught." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while over with notes and figures. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. skylight. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Oh, yes, easily." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards nonsense.' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or