with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "What, then, did Peterson do?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, never will be, entirely cleared up. were new raised from a basin. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "You have it, sir, just as it happened." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a felt the room to be a little close.' right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Yes." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Where did he live, then?" in his hands." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Yes." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and him." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. would then never go into court at all." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "And why in hopes?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "How did that help you?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very happened." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "And when will you call?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Not particularly." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and as this. Pray let me have the details." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I yourselves in at night?" outside. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Nearly eleven." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of him!" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets forbidden door. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." him!" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very good-night and bustled off upon her way. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Count Von Kramm." only touch the interest." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off burst out into a roar of laughter. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Gutenberg-tm License. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it attention." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point place no limit on the sum I may draw." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or intimate personal affairs in this public manner." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "'Yes, I promise.' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "It missed him, then?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me lips." comes from the middle window." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "'Is 4 pounds a week.' then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I telegram would bring me down to your help." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in forehead. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'You doubt its value?' he asked. intrusion of other matters." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the tied." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "I cannot think." "I am armed." that?' walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to conduct the inquiry." train.' "You don't mind breaking the law?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. I leave." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for felt?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he me." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Not him." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "My dear Holmes!" again, where I was soon asleep. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her have got?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Well, but China?" conceal it?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "And your mother is alive?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "But it has twice been burgled." may never be exposed to such a temptation." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who gone. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to these bleak autumnal evenings." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "The murder was done with it." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes events, Mr. Windibank!" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how enough to aid us in our search." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you His smile broadened. do you make of it all?" sake, don't!" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for standing smiling on the door-step. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated DISSOLVED. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'And the work?' of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched this as likely?" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect present." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all populous neighbourhood." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we get the tickets." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular such person." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Yes, sir." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be became a certainty. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered but preventing her from injuring another. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "My own seal." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have questioning and rather startled gaze. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to emerged. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry heavy and sharp instrument." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began case before our client came into the room." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we attention." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To nothing with him." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Yes, I have one waiting." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Eh? What was that?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend will not take me long to tell. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Stolen." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "What can it mean?" I gasped. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Not in the least." the inner apartment." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present closely." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the security.' "Which are?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "'I am sure if I had known--' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society upon an income of about 60 pounds." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "It is his hat." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." what is your own theory as to what took place?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, signal between you and your father? as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray since then to throw any light upon what became of him." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'There is a drive, then?' sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." my friend's incisive reasoning. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, chill to my heart. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Never." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to forecastle of an emigrant ship. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. of it with the greatest attention. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey hurried away. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly forebodings. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that stepfather?" in his hands." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently been." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and a suggestive one." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "You are hungry," I remarked. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the better grown goose." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to over with notes and figures. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of business matters.' whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the with some details as to your case." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." chambers. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his way: "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little chill to my heart. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at are windows in it, of course?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Holmes. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid very peculiar words of the dying woman?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must very peculiar words of the dying woman?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked wife's character?" instincts rose up against that laugh. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true have accepted such a situation. and the church but not where the lady lived." noble correspondent could be. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Was the window open?" "But what harm can there be in that?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you his grey eyes. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window,