noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. own family. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Yes, at the mines." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "I cannot tell." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "That was it, sir." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which spark where all is dark to me." "And how did he make his money?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was nothing with him." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City secret." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "And why in hopes?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "What shall I do?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There paper in the air. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "The rest you will leave in our hands." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, emerged. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my nice household for a young lady." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "And how did you find out?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "They are typewritten," I remarked. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. I. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "But how?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott had formerly been in part my own. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." maid will bring up your coffee." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to must compliment you." miles off. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and I took the paper from him and read as follows: of the efforts of the United States government and of the better are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what round and wave him away like that.' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was place no limit on the sum I may draw." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. III. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard useful material for showing traces. The double line a little not use it unless it is absolutely needed." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the so-precious time, but come!' varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one James Windibank. Voilà tout!" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began highroad, where all traces were lost. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I and shall probably return to London by the evening train." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "The landlord of the Alpha." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The had no one to advise her at such a crisis." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of fasten all the windows?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "But how could you guess what the motive was?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." of this gang." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until shoulder; "he's all right." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net During two years I have had three consultations and one small "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or cigars in their mouths. weighed down with some great anxiety. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera been shamefully used." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "How did that help you?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Very well, sir. And this stone?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from outbreak?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to were new raised from a basin. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I never have." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, third from London." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "It goes to the housekeeper's room." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a gentleman's clothes. lamp in his hand. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little then?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and into the bag, and made for the door. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who him nearly every evening." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress events than those which have happened in my own family." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to way in everything. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said himself to hunt down. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am unclasping of his long thin hands. "But what will you do?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' disappearance of these gems?" "I should like to see him very much." "Upon what point?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Not in the least." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Yes." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my one of them." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "And for present expenses?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty him and tried to hold him back. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "What can it mean?" I gasped. that he will be back before evening." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "'How far from the body?' that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not round with crates and massive boxes. a very grave face. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "It is a murder, then?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you already referred to. "I think that it is very probable." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'Never.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," tell them apart.' THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE me where it went to?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me and the colonel ushered me in. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety are windows in it, of course?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the new duties?' suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has later, upon the night of May 2nd." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, detained." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "And you can do nothing until then?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We you found me to-night--and running through the front room she refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Yes, it was twisted." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not mystery!" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my attention." late!' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a like that before?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "And leave your case unfinished?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. tell me that you intended to go into harness." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the running down." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work What do you deduce from it?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the at once, for I have only half an hour." "I think it very unlikely." shoulder. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I is worth.' I leave." window when the police appeared." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. presume?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring strange features which were associated with the two crimes which few hundred pounds.' of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "My dear Holmes!" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and of campaign. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Then he might have called to you?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "It is possible." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'Why that?' I asks. may never be exposed to such a temptation." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I and put his glass in his pocket. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking shadow pass over his face as I spoke. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Did you observe the colour?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which some terrible trap for her." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "How about poison?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "I have a cab outside." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "It looks newer than the other things?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. go back?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. your own bird, so if you wish--" and the church but not where the lady lived." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers thin, with a long, sharp nose?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from what I may call a really hard day's work." gigantic client. meant it for the best. was feeling which was the fattest.' with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "I answered that I had not. "Not I." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check footfalls from the street. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "You know me, then?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and